Key enablers and barriers can facilitate or impede the successful implementation and adoption of virtual care. As technology and practices evolve, many barriers can be mitigated, leading to improved adoption and integration of virtual care into healthcare systems.
- Increased expectations and acceptance of virtual care across the community.
- Strong engagement and sponsorship across the organisation, such as the local health district.
- Clinical governance is embedded to support quality improvement and consumer safety.
- Commitment to innovation and investment in digitally-enabled healthcare.
- Culture of commitment to innovation, including willingness to share learnings across the system.
- Access to education and training to effectively use virtual care platforms, communicate with consumers remotely, and ensure the quality of care provided.
- Clear guidelines and increased confidence among clinicians to adapt their practice to support clinically appropriate care.
- Dedicated positions to support the design, implementation, change management and evaluation of virtual care.
- Technology that is easy to use, accessible, fit-for-purpose, reliable, secure and cost-efficient.
- Ongoing research and innovation in virtual care technologies, such as remote monitoring devices and diagnostic tools, enhance the range of services that can be delivered remotely.
- Research demonstrating the efficacy and safety of virtual care services.
- Consumer awareness and preference to access in-person care.
- Limited access to appropriate devices, technical skills and poor connectivity.
- Data breaches or privacy concerns.
- Language barriers can impede effective communication between consumers and healthcare providers.
- Virtual care platforms may not adequately address the cultural preferences and practices of diverse consumer populations.
- Healthcare providers may be hesitant to adopt new virtual care methods.
- Costing and reporting of activity for new and emerging models may not meet service expectations.
- Inconsistent or inadequate reimbursement policies for virtual care services can impact their financial viability, discouraging healthcare providers from offering virtual care.
- Limited investment in digital tools that support clinical needs, workflows and consumer expectations; such as digital front door supporting self-management, secure messaging, scheduling, digital care plans and single digital patient records.
- Level of resources available (financial and workforce) to support new innovations and change management.
- Gaps in curriculum development to support the emerging health workforce.