|
Source: GenPro Telehealth has a place in modern medicine but it will never replace the benefits of a face-to-face consultation and continuity of care, the General Practice Owners Association says. |
| “All the research shows that presenting and being treated by a family doctor results in the best outcomes for the health system and patients, especially those with multiple conditions,” says GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers. Dr Chambers says the government is very good at trumpeting the benefits of its new telehealth service, but is papering over the problems in primary healthcare. “It’s no wonder we’re seeing these numbers when the government has subsidised this service at a far higher rate than it funds general practice. “Telehealth has done nothing to reduce demand for free treatment, which causes over crowding and long wait times in emergency departments. “And it is worsening the shortage of GPs in clinics. An example being one of the telehealth services growing from five doctors to 75 in the space of two years – so that’s 70 fewer GPs examining patients.” Dr Chambers says that about one in five people who have a screen consultation are later required to visit a GP. “While telehealth has a role to play in the context of constraints for acute care, it is not helping the GP shortage, it is not reducing waiting times at emergency departments, and it is not a sensible alternative for patients with multiple morbidities requiring continuity of care. “GenPro would prefer that the lavish funding provided to the telehealth service is directed towards supporting general practices to employ more GPs and reduce wait times. “Evidence from the UK shows that telehealth does nothing to reduce emergency department attendance rates, time to cancer diagnosis, or to see a specialist. Telehealth might be convenient, but it is not best for many patients.” GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit www.genpro.org.nz |
- 24-7
- 24/7 News
- MIL OSI
- AM-NC
- Asia Pacific
- CTF
- DJF
- KB
- MIL NZ OSI
- MIL OSI - New Zealand
- New Zealand
- Politics
- Transport
