Aims
To evaluate twelve months of referrals to a state based virtual care service (VCS) from residential aged care facilities (RACFs).
Methods
Two medical staff audited all presentations for RACF residents to a statewide VCS. They pulled data from the statewide electronic medical record between 1st January 2025 and 31st December 2025. Information pulled included resident demographics as well as outcomes of the consultations.
Results
Over the last 12 months the VCS conducted 4468 consultations with residents of aged care facilities (averaging 12 per day). Of these patients, 62.98% were female, 37.02% male. There was a wide distribution of ages which peaked at 85-94 years, and 0.42% of patients were ATSI.
Following a VCS consultation, 64% had care delivered in their place of residence in collaboration with the staff on site, for 21% the state ambulance service was contacted to attend, where 5% attended an Emergency Department. Additionally, a smaller proportion had care delivered in local hospital avoidance services or by their GP.
Conclusions
Based on 12 months data, VCS plays a significant role in the management of residents in RACFs. Most residents were able to be managed in place, which has massive implications for those with reduced mobility and cognitive decline who require medical assistance when their regular General Practitioner is unavailable.