Developing a simple, robust telehealth system for remote communities

Reference # H.5.1920041
Research Programs 5. Northern health service delivery and models of care

Project Timeframe 3 years (2020 to 2023)
CRCNA Funding $500,000
Total project value $1,663,424

Health service delivery
First Nations led business development

Project locations: Darwin NT, Katherine NT, Laynhapuy Homelands NT, Puntukurnu Homelands - Pilbara WA, Newman WA

Project partners: Simbani Integrated Research ; Emerge IT Solutions Pty Ltd ; Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation ; Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation ; SkyMesh Pty Ltd ; Synapse Medical Services Aus Pty Ltd ; VisionFlex Pty Ltd ; Charles Darwin University ; BIZ365 Pty Ltd

Project summary and impacts

This project demonstrated that reliable, affordable telehealth services can be delivered in very remote Aboriginal communities using satellite connectivity and community-based digital infrastructure.

Working with the Gawa community in north-east Arnhem Land, the project established a managed community Wi-Fi network and tested a telehealth videoconferencing model using NBN Co’s SkyMuster satellite service. The project confirmed that remote primary healthcare consultations, health monitoring and access to digital health platforms such as My Health Record could be delivered reliably in a very remote setting, including through wet season conditions.

The project improved digital inclusion by increasing access, affordability and digital capability within the community, contributing to Closing the Gap Target 17. It also laid the technical and operational foundations for a new model of community-led healthcare delivery, providing a scalable platform for telehealth services across remote northern Australia.