• Free online course outlines uses of technology to deliver health services to regional, rural and remote patients
• 430 practitioners, students and medical stakeholders have enrolled in the Three Rivers University Department of Rural Health (TRUDRH) course
• TRUDRH is led, administered and operated by Charles Sturt

Since its launch in August this year, more than 430 healthcare students, professionals and stakeholders have enrolled in a Three Rivers University Department of Rural Health (TRUDRH) course designed to promote the use of telehealth practices.

‘Telehealth – Embracing Technology in Healthcare’ is a free online course offered by TRUDRH which provides an introduction to key concepts of telehealth, which is a mode of delivering health services via the use of technology.

The curriculum is designed as an introduction to telehealth, incorporating a range of interactive opportunities, patient scenarios, resources and guides based on current practice, with a high focus on telehealth service delivery in the TRUDRH footprint in the Riverina and Central West of New South Wales.

The course consists of four modules: Telehealth Overview, Telehealth Technology, Telehealth in Practice, and Sustainable Telehealth.

TRUDRH Service Coordinator Telehealth Mrs Jacki Mansfield said the benefits of the course’s content would enable future and existing health professionals to provide telehealth services to patients.

“The use of telehealth to deliver clinically appropriate healthcare and advice to those who may not have access to services is increasing every year,” she said.

“This course educates the learner within a broad context, so they can use the knowledge in their own workplace or on placements to deliver a successful telehealth service for regional, rural and remote Australians.”

Aligned with the online course, TRUDRH has also installed 16 mobile videoconference trolleys across six of Charles Sturt’s campuses to increase the practical use of telehealth within simulation-based learning activities.

Training has been provided in 20 sessions across all campuses and is available to all Charles Sturt staff upon request.

Charles Sturt staff reported the training with the supplied equipment was highly informative and very engaging.

“I absolutely enjoyed the training and benefited a lot from it, and I look forward to passing on the knowledge to the Bachelor of Nursing students,” lecturer in nursing in the Charles Sturt School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health Patience Moyo said.

TRUDRH is led, administered and operated by Charles Sturt and aims to improve the recruitment and retention of nursing, midwifery, allied health and dentistry professionals in rural and remote Australia.

Enquiries about the ‘Telehealth – Embracing Technology in Healthcare’ course can be made by completing an online form.