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Telemedicine-based care for older people

Year:
2020
Duration:
12 months
Approved budget:
$29,990.00
Researchers:
Dr Wendy Wrapson
,
Dr Margaret Williams
Health issue:
Ageing
Proposal type:
Health Delivery Research Activation Grant
Lay summary
The arrival of COVID-19 in Aotearoa New Zealand put doctors’ offices and medical clinics off-limits for all but essential treatment, to prevent further spread of the disease. Medical professionals offered patient consultations using phone and video technology (telemedicine) while COVID-19 social distancing restrictions were in place. Telemedicine offers benefits to many people with video consultations being recommended, where possible. However, some older people/kaumātua may not have the knowledge and skills necessary for the use of electronic devices. Ease of use of technology is therefore one of the most important features of telemedicine. The proposed research activity is to investigate the potential for using age-friendly technology to provide telemedicine health delivery for the 65+ age group. The work undertaken will be: (1) relationship development, and (2) priority setting. These activities are essential prior to future research, testing out the potential of telemedicine for effective online medical consultations with seniors.