Rural Australians face lower healthcare standards, accepted by leaders

Clinicians and health leaders are accepting lower standards of care for patients in rural areas of Australia. They believe this is better than having no care at all. About seven million Australians live in these rural and remote areas, and many cannot access the same quality of healthcare as those in cities. More than 18,000 Australians do not have primary health services within an hour’s drive. This makes it expensive and time-consuming to reach major hospitals. Rural residents also see less health spending, with almost A$850 less per year than city dwellers. As a result, they face higher rates of preventable hospitalizations and deaths. The life expectancy gap between those in remote areas and city residents is around 13 years for men and 16 years for women. Research shows that many health professionals in Queensland accept virtual health care as a solution, despite acknowledging that it may fall short of traditional care. Virtual health care includes services like home visits from nurses, telehealth consultations, and remote monitoring for patients at home. This model can reduce the need to travel to cities, keeping patients connected to their families. However, virtual care is not suitable for everyone. Patients needing intensive care or certain procedures may still require traditional hospital settings. Poor design and lack of training in virtual services can lead to missed diagnoses and complications. Interviews with 26 healthcare professionals revealed that while many are hesitant about virtual care for urban patients who have easier access to in-person services, they see it as necessary for rural patients. They stress the need for better health services that meet quality standards. To improve care for rural Australians, experts suggest the following: attract skilled health professionals to rural areas, design services that fit local needs, and address funding issues affecting rural health services. Accepting a lesser standard of care is not a solution for the millions living outside major cities.