Spatial distribution of the telehealth network and its prospect in the new national broadband network

Given the increasing demand for health care in Australia, there are insufficient health workers to take care of the population particularly in rural and remote areas. As a result, various initiatives and strategies are being developed to support health care in regional areas. Telehealth, which adopts various telecommunications solutions to link up clinicians with patients or patient related information held elsewhere, is recognised as a means to improve the quality and efficiency of health services delivery at a distance. Recently, the Australian Government has announced that Tasmania will be the launch state for the Commonwealth's new super fast National Broadband Network, connecting Tasmanian households and businesses including hospitals and schools. It is expected that health service provision in Tasmania, especially the Telehealth network, will change in view of these specific circumstances. This paper examines the implications for strategies to improve telehealth service in rural Tasmania. The crux of the matter lies in both hard and soft infrastructure. The rollout of the National Broadband Network is the first step to address the hard infrastructure issue. However, a system is as good as how the people use it. Relevant trainings to upskill the health workforce and patient education are as crucial.