HammondCare has successfully trialled a virtual platform to give its home care clients faster access to allied health services.
The Virtual Restorative Care (VRC) program, which was nominated as a finalist in the 2022 innovAGEING National Awards, connects clients to allied health professionals like dietitians, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists.
Evaluations found that 82% of high-priority occupational therapist referrals and 100% of high-priority dietetics referrals were assessed within two weeks, while client feedback showed that 87% of those surveyed were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the program’s performance and 85% would recommend it to others.
According to HammondCare’s Health and Palliative Care General Manager, Dr Andrew Montague (pictured), the program came about to assist home care clients in rural and remote areas.
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The Restorative Care Team recognised there was a problem with these clients having access to timely, affordable and high-quality allied health services.
“This is a case of innovative thinking that is improving the quality of life for disadvantaged people with health needs,” he said.
