Smarter hospitals: Unlocking the promise of virtual models of care through infrastructure innovation in Australian healthcare facilities

Virtual models of care (i.e. consultation by telephone, video-conferencing and remote-monitoring of health conditions supported by digital patient information and wearable devices) have been employed throughout Australia for many years to provide care to regional and remote locations. Virtual care models have gained significant traction (including rapid adoption in metropolitan areas) in response to the covid-19 pandemic, creating evidence of their viability, acceptability and potential value towards health system sustainability. Notable gains include the potential for virtual models of care to create efficiencies in health service delivery and redress inequities in system and service access, with particular opportunities for the improving patient experiences, costs and clinical outcomes for people with chronic conditions in hospital outpatient settings. Lack of prospective planning for the integration of virtual care models and relevant change management approaches constrains the realisation of benefits, with health facility infrastructure identified by our Partner Organisations and in the wider literature as a key barrier. Through partnership between academic institutions, Health Infrastructure, and five health services in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, we seek to unlock the potential for smarter hospitals that integrate virtual models of care in the Australian health system by removing the infrastructure barriers in healthcare facility design supported by strong Virtual models of care (i.e. consultation by telephone, video-conferencing and remote-monitoring of health conditions supported by digital patient information and wearable devices) can improve access to services, patient experience, efficiency and health outcomes whilst reducing costs of care compared to face-to-face care. change management.