‘Technology prescriptions’ to ensure equal access to care

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Picture: National Telehealth Leadership Group chair Ruth Large

eHealthNews.nz editor Rebecca McBeth

New Zealand should introduce ‘technology prescriptions’ for those without digital devices and data as the health sector rapidly switches to virtual ways of working, the National Telehealth Leadership Group says.

The Ministry of Health says it is investigating how to provide internet access, devices and support for those who need it most.

NTLG chair Ruth Large tells eHealthNews.nz that addressing the divide between those people who have access to information and communication technology and those who do not, has been identified as a key piece of work by the group and the Ministry.

“It’s not just about access to the internet, but digital literacy and access to devices,” she says.

The group has recommended the introduction of a ‘technology prescription’, which would allow health professionals to prescribe a technology package to patients who do not have access to a reliable device and data.

Large expects each prescription to cost around $400 and include a reliable android device with a data plan.

“We need to consider what can be provided, but our expectation is that, similar to a green prescription, health providers could write a technology prescription.”

‘Green prescriptions’ were introduced to support people to increase their physical activity and improve their nutrition.

A Ministry of Health spokesperson says the outbreak of Covid-19 has made a digital approach necessary for many health services and it is working with the NTLG to ensure that digital services are available to as many people as possible, especially Māori and vulnerable communities.

The Ministry is, “looking at how to increase wireless connectivity in remote communities and investigating how to provide internet access, devices and support for those who need it most”, the spokesperson says.

Large believes the introduction of technology prescriptions is a vital part of the health sector being able to provide ongoing care

Waikato DHB, where she is clinical director of information services and virtual healthcare, is already looking at how to identify those patients who may need a technology prescription.

The DHB has some experience in this space, as part of the SmartHealth online doctor service which ceased running in April 2018, some patients were given devices which allowed them to use the SmartHealth app and other health websites for free.

Large says one idea is that when booking staff call a patient about having a virtual appointment, they ask about what technology that person has available at home.

Read our in-depth feature on tackling the digital divide here.

If you would like to provide feedback on this news story, please contact the editor Rebecca McBeth.

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For more information and resources about COVID-19 go to https://www.hinz.org.nz/page/covid19

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