Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges within the health sector, the rapid implementation of telehealth services provided a valuable opportunity to extend the reach of mental health services to those outside of the usual geographical reach.
Throughout lockdown periods Healthscope quickly ceased Day Programs onsite and instead welcomed patients to service via the Zoom platform. In doing so, patients remained connected, supported and deterioration in mental state was not only avoided but recovery was made possible despite the psychosocial stressors encountered at that time.
It became evident that telehealth services provided great benefit to our patient group, not only to accommodate service throughout lock down periods, but also as a way of enabling those who can't attend on site to access service regardless.
The geographical reach of service is a significant obstacle for rural and remote communities. Telehealth services provide the solution for this.
In 2021 Healthscope facilitated a pilot project via The Melbourne Clinic and Pine Rivers Private Hospital in which patients were able to participate in a broad range of Mental Health Day Programs, such as ACT, DBT, Addictive Behaviours Programs and Positive Psychology to name just a few, to patients who otherwise would be unable to engage due to illness, carer responsibilities or those who lived outside of the usual catchment. Patient satisfaction data clearly demonstrated positive outcomes - patients felt connected, supported, and were able to learn and implement the requisite skills to enable stabilisation and recovery. Telehealth breaks down the geographical barrier to mental health services, enabling access to those in need.