Telehealth for Australian general practice: The present and the future.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In March 2020, 56 temporary Medicare Benefits Schedule telehealth item numbers were introduced for Australian general practitioners (GPs) in response to COVID-19. Telehealth is now a permanent part of Australian primary care and, as such, an adequate understanding of the benefits, barriers and facilitators is essential for GPs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to examine the use of telehealth in general practice in Australia and to explore the benefits, barriers and facilitators to performing telehealth consultations. A narrative review was performed. DISCUSSION: Benefits of telehealth include increased access to healthcare and reduced risk of COVID-19 transmission. Barriers can include lack of technological infrastructure, limitations to performing physical examination and concerns regarding privacy and confidentiality. Facilitators include tailored GP training and sustainable funding models. Further research and training are needed to ensure that telehealth is used optimally and equitably in Australia.