• New toolkit embeds teachings on digital health into university degrees across the country to create more career-ready graduates
• The toolkit, co-designed by Charles Sturt academics, is designed for students in nursing, medicine, allied health, pharmacy, psychology and other healthcare courses

Charles Sturt University healthcare graduates will be ready to help the more than 20 per cent of Australians who rely on telehealth services.

New digital skills, including telehealth, remote patient monitoring and maintaining electronic health records, are being embedded in Charles Sturt health courses as part of a Digital Health Train the Trainer Toolkit.

The skills will be taught to students in nursing, paramedicine, physiotherapy, social work, psychology, exercise and sport science, speech pathology, occupational therapy and pharmacy.

Almost a quarter of Australians use telehealth services. Digital health technologies are particularly important in regional Australia, where clinicians frequently have to remotely monitor and treat patients living with chronic conditions.

Charles Sturt lecturer in Digital Health, Dr Salma Arabi, said the University is preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals for the rapidly evolving healthcare system.

“Digital health is no longer optional in healthcare practice,” Dr Arabi said.

“Digital technologies are crucial in identifying health risks earlier, improving communication between healthcare providers and enabling patients to receive care closer to home.

“Rather than requiring the introduction of separate digital health subjects, the toolkit allows Charles Sturt to integrate digital health skills into our existing courses.”

Charles Sturt has more than 5,000 students enrolled in its health courses, including:

• 3,700 in the Bachelor of Nursing
• 770 in the Bachelor of Paramedicine
• 480 in the Bachelor of Physioterapy

Charles Sturt’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Brown, said the University provides the healthcare workforce that Australia, especially regional Australia, desperately needs.

And those graduates are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge.

“Electronic health records, telehealth, health data systems and digitally enabled models of care are now integral to everyday practice across hospitals, clinics and community health services,” Professor Brown said.

“Charles Sturt health graduates have the confidence and capability to use digital technologies safely and effectively to the benefit of their patients.

“This is especially important in regional communities, where modern digital technologies can help overcome distance, expand access to specialist services and improve patient care and outcomes.”

Professor Kerryn Butler-Henderson collaborated with academics from the University of Queensland and Australian Catholic University to develop the toolkit.