RFBI launches telehealth service with Visionflex carts
“It is not just a telehealth cart that is able to perform visual and audio consultations. It has improved diagnostic tools that take the consultation to that next level,” says Amanda Woodlands, Nurse Practitioner at Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution.
“A key part of RFBI’s telehealth program is the TGA-approved Visionflex technology, which is one of the leading telehealth solutions in Australia.”
RFBI is empowering health access with Visionflex
In a bid to bridge the gap in healthcare access for residents of aged care and retirement villages, Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution (RFBI) has embarked on an innovative journey by integrating telehealth services into its facilities. Recognising the challenges faced by elderly residents in accessing healthcare professionals, RFBI’s visionary move aims to revolutionise the delivery of medical services through cutting-edge technology.
With an investment of $150,000, supplemented by generous grant funding from six Primary Health Networks, RFBI has embraced the state-of-the-art Visionflex telehealth carts and advanced diagnostic tools for 19 out of its 22 villages located across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
Spearheading this transformative initiative is Amanda Woodlands, a nurse practitioner and RFBI’s digital health manager, who joined the organisation in 2022 to bolster its virtual care capabilities.
The fundamental objective of RFBI’s telehealth program is to render equitable and accessible healthcare to its residents through a flexible model of care that not only reduces wait times and hospital visits but also enables early intervention and a seamless continuum of care.
Addressing various health concerns such as geriatrics, palliative care, wounds, pain management, dental care, and mental health, the program encompasses video sessions with general practitioners, specialists, nurse practitioners, allied health professionals, and outreach services.
Central to the success of RFBI’s telehealth initiative is their adoption of Visionflex virtual care technology. Our TGA-approved telehealth solutions continue to be industry leading providing high-quality, innovative clinical telehealth solutions.
The Visionflex Telehealth Cart transcends traditional virtual consultations by offering an array of advanced diagnostic tools including an exam camera, stethoscope, wound lens, otoscope, and ECG capabilities. These tools enable healthcare providers to conduct comprehensive consultations that are not restricted by geographical boundaries, thereby enhancing the quality of care delivered.
“The exam camera, stethoscope, wound lens, otoscope and ECG are just some of the advanced functions that produce high quality images and recordings enabling a clinician to conduct a comprehensive consultation that is not limited by location, again providing a flexible model of care,” Ms Woodlands told Australian Ageing Agenda.
RFBI’s commitment to enhancing resident welfare extends beyond technology deployment.
The organisation has initiated engaging show-and-tell events at its villages to familiarise residents, families, and healthcare professionals with their new telehealth technology. These events serve as platforms to showcase the technology in action and demonstrate its potential to revolutionise healthcare access.
The residents’ enthusiastic response to the events underscores their eagerness to embrace the benefits that telehealth services can offer.
It is important to emphasise that RFBI’s telehealth services are designed to augment, not replace, traditional face-to-face consultations. The balance between telehealth and in-person visits will be tailored to the individual needs of residents, as well as the availability of medical practitioners in local communities.
The overarching goal is to overcome existing barriers that hinder residents from accessing essential medical care promptly and efficiently.
RFBI’s initiative is a testament to its unwavering commitment to the well-being of its residents.
By harnessing the power of Visionflex telehealth technology and fostering a culture of innovation, RFBI aims to elevate healthcare standards, empower residents, and pave the way for a future where equitable healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of geographical constraints.
As the rollout continues, RFBI’s telehealth program promises to be a transformative force in the aged care sector, demonstrating how technology can bridge gaps and enhance lives.
RFBI was founded in 1880 to assist those in need at a time when there were no Government funded social welfare programs. 143 years later, they are fulfilling this role through provision of aged care services, and through our benevolence and annuity programs.
RFBI has 20 retirement villages, 22 residential villages and covers 7 regions with Care at Home services across NSW and ACT. In total, RFBI cares for in excess of 2,200 older community members. Providing support to older Australians enabling them to age with dignity, in safe caring homes is core to RFBI’s objectives.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
The all-in-one telehealth cart solution features an AIO medical-grade computer and an ergonomic, easy-to-manoeuvre medical cart and can include an ProEX Desktop with peripheral medical devices.
Designed to meet multiple purposes, this universal cart solution combines the functionality of an all-in-one computer with the clinical capabilities of the ProEX Desktop.
With its ergonomic design and 5 control buttons, the GEIS® General Examination Camera HD offers auto or manual focus, LED illumination control and image capture all in one small, single-hand operated camera. The GEIS® camera is lightweight and mobile and can be plugged into any PC.
A range of accessories are available for the camera including a dermatology hood, wound measurement rod, and disposable tongue depressor. After use, the GEIS® camera can be safely cleaned with Clinell Universal Wipes.
Digital Stethoscope
The all-in-one telehealth cart solution features an AIO medical-grade computer and an ergonomic, easy-to-manoeuvre medical cart and can include an ProEX Desktop with peripheral medical devices.
Designed to meet multiple purposes, this universal cart solution combines the functionality of an all-in-one computer with the clinical capabilities of the ProEX Desktop.
Handheld ECG
The portable ECG machine is easy to use and monitors heart rates extremely accurately in ‘single wire’ or ‘three wire’ mode. In ‘single wire’ mode, the patient holds the device with two hands using the metal contact pads on each side of the housing to make the electrical connection through the body and to generate a single trace and an average heart rate on the display. The ‘three wire’ mode, generates a ‘combined’ single trace and is used with 3 adhesive ECG pads and leads connected to the device for continuous measuring.
About Visionflex
Established in 2014, Visionflex designs, manufactures, and distributes a range of innovative clinical telehealth devices and software to facilitate remote clinical examinations, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
Visionflex solutions are used by clients across the country and around the globe, including Aged Care Facilities, State Government Health Agencies, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, Mining Camps, the Australian Antarctic Division, Justice Health, and more.
