As part of Asthma Awareness Week’s call for Kiwis to take asthma seriously and seek the support they need to breathe easier Asthma New Zealand in partnership with CareHQ and Korowai Aroha are thrilled to announce the launch of a much-needed Telehealth Pilot project in Rotorua/Lakes District. The Pilot will drive better access, service and outcomes for people living with Asthma by providing an effective solution to these health challenges.
The Telehealth Pilot comes at a time when health care services in New Zealand face mounting pressure and the Minister of Health Simeon Brown, is calling for substantial progress in the use of telehealth and digital services.
Claire Beard (CEO, Asthma New Zealand) said: “We know that asthma and respiratory conditions are causing preventable deaths nationally and within the Rotorua and Lakes District. There are approximately 100 deaths each year due to asthma with the Lakes district being over-represented in this statistic. There is a need to approach healthcare differently.”
Beard continues: “This Telehealth Pilot will test an approach that we believe will free up GP in-person services and increase the availability of more immediate support for patients with Asthma. It will also contribute to a reduction in ED presentations if they cannot get a GP appointment for medication, advice and support.”
The numbers speak for themselves with 9% of the Rotorua population not currently enrolled with a GP or primary health provider, of which 13% are likely to have asthma. For the 91% that are enrolled with a GP or PHO, 13% are using primary care services to manage their asthma. Added to this, the rising cost and availability of accessing GP services is preventing or deterring patients from seeking out primary care. Many are now simply presenting to the hospital – seen as a “free” service.
Furthermore, Asthma NZ Nurse Educators work with hundreds of patients every year and often identify that a medication prescription is required, however the patient’s pathway to obtain the prescription can be difficult, with patients often citing cost, access and availability as barriers to making and attending a GP appointment as recommended.
This collaboration between PHO’s, Māori health providers, a telehealth organisation and a charity merges diverse expertise and resources, creating a holistic and culturally sensitive approach to asthma care. This unique partnership not only enhances patient outcomes but also exemplifies the power of unity in transforming healthcare.
Brett Butler (CEO CareHQ) said:“ Through the partnership with Asthma NZ, CareHQ will be actively contributing to the overall wellness of the Rotorua/Lakes District. We’re looking forward to being part of this exciting collaboration empowering Asthma patients to manage their health supported by Korowai Aroha and CareHQ’s online GPs”.
The purpose of the 16-week Telehealth Pilot is to drive better access, service and outcomes for people living with Asthma. The Pilot will run from June to September and will test a new model to improve efficient and streamlined end-to-end patient support services. For people with Asthma, it will help drive a shift in mindset. The Telehealth Pilot services will be free of charge for qualifying patients thanks to the generous support of Rotorua Trust.