The Westmead Hospital Department of Genetic Medicine Virtual Care Service was initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for remote healthcare options. The service offers virtual care appointments for adults with rare genetic disorders, providing access to specialised care for those experiencing geographical constraints. The service provides consultations through myVirtualCare, focusing on general clinical genetics and genetic metabolic disorders.
Optimising healthcare system efficiency
The service addresses challenges faced by individuals living with rare genetic disorders and fosters collaboration between a multidisciplinary team and general practitioners, resulting in improved coordination of care for patients. The multidisciplinary team includes genetic counsellors, nurses and metabolic dietitians, whom work closely with GPs and patient advocacy groups. The virtual care model optimises healthcare system efficiency by reducing waiting times, effectively allocating resources and integrating genetic and genomic testing to facilitate accurate diagnoses and personalised treatment plans.
The service facilitates genetic testing and provides comprehensive assessments, diagnoses and management for rare genetic disorders. It enables accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans, filling a crucial gap in healthcare for adults with rare genetic disorders. By offering consultations through myVirtualCare, the service ensures the continuity of essential genetic medicine services while prioritising the safety of both patients and staff.
Ensuring continuity of essential genetic medicine services
The service implemented virtual care appointments through myVirtualCare. This involved adopting telehealth technologies and developing streamlined processes for remote consultations. The service collaborated with healthcare IT professionals to ensure a secure and user-friendly platform that facilitated virtual appointments, enabling patients to receive genetic counselling, nursing care and dietary guidance from the safety and convenience of their homes. Key steps in the implementation phase included assessing technological requirements and selecting myVirtualCare as the telehealth solution. Protocols and guidelines were developed to ensure effective delivery of remote care, supported by training sessions for the clinical team. Patient and provider communication emphasised the availability and benefits of virtual appointments, along with clear instructions on scheduling and accessing consultations via myVirtualCare. Patient support materials were created to address common concerns and ensure a smooth virtual care experience.
Since implementation, virtual care appointments have enabled uninterrupted care delivery for individuals with rare genetic disorders. Ongoing refinements are made based on patient feedback and emerging technologies to optimise the virtual care process. This approach enhances accessibility, maintains patient safety and ensures high-quality care, while addressing the challenges imposed by the pandemic and geographical constraints.
Through the successful integration of myVirtualCare, the service has demonstrated its commitment to providing comprehensive care while adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape. The implementation of virtual care appointments has not only improved patient access to genetic medicine services but also enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system, benefiting both patients and healthcare professionals alike.
Demonstrating long-term value
While formal evaluation results are being gathered, initial feedback from patients and healthcare professionals has been positive. Virtual appointments have brought convenience and accessibility, improving patient satisfaction. The implementation of virtual care not only addresses pandemic-related challenges but also demonstrates its long-term value in delivering high-quality genetic medicine services.
