Digital Health Technologies Could Transform Rural Aged Care in Australia
Review finds that remote providers must improve infrastructure, training and leadership to unlock benefits of digital health in aged care
A new scoping review from Flinders University reveals that aged-care services in rural and regional Australia need significantly greater support to implement digital health technologies effectively.
The study analysed 48 Australian research papers on health professionals’ experience using digital health in aged-care settings, concluding that for remote communities the digital revolution is less a luxury and more an essential infrastructure for equity, safety and sustainability.
Lead author Naser Pourazad emphasised that mobile monitoring tools, telehealth and electronic health records can save costs, improve efficiency and connect services seamlessly.
However, he noted that many rural services struggle with unreliable broadband, poor IT infrastructure, limited digital literacy among staff and a lack of leadership and strategy.
Co-author Peivand Bastani pointed out that Australia’s aged-care system is under acute strain from rising demand, workforce shortages and cost pressures — yet the rural communities arguably have the least access to the very digital tools that could relieve that burden.
The review identified four priority actions for rural providers: invest in connectivity and infrastructure; deliver ongoing digital training; strengthen leadership and governance so innovation becomes routine; and co-design solutions with older people and healthcare staff.
It also underlined that telehealth and virtual consultations can reduce unnecessary hospital transfers, while electronic records improve medication safety and reduce duplication.
Broader research reinforces these findings.
A 2024 article found that digital health capability in rural healthcare hinges on governance, people, interoperability and strategy.
Other fact-sheets highlight that about 30 per cent of Australians live in rural, regional or remote communities, where connectivity and digital literacy remain major barriers.
The federal government’s digital aged-care reform agenda now includes staged upgrades of systems, with providers required to implement new digital processes from November 2025 onwards.
As rural aged-care providers look ahead, the message is clear: the technology exists, but unlocking its full potential demands investment, training and leadership.
Whether rural older Australians can benefit equally hinges on bridging the digital divide now.
The study analysed 48 Australian research papers on health professionals’ experience using digital health in aged-care settings, concluding that for remote communities the digital revolution is less a luxury and more an essential infrastructure for equity, safety and sustainability.
Lead author Naser Pourazad emphasised that mobile monitoring tools, telehealth and electronic health records can save costs, improve efficiency and connect services seamlessly.
However, he noted that many rural services struggle with unreliable broadband, poor IT infrastructure, limited digital literacy among staff and a lack of leadership and strategy.
Co-author Peivand Bastani pointed out that Australia’s aged-care system is under acute strain from rising demand, workforce shortages and cost pressures — yet the rural communities arguably have the least access to the very digital tools that could relieve that burden.
The review identified four priority actions for rural providers: invest in connectivity and infrastructure; deliver ongoing digital training; strengthen leadership and governance so innovation becomes routine; and co-design solutions with older people and healthcare staff.
It also underlined that telehealth and virtual consultations can reduce unnecessary hospital transfers, while electronic records improve medication safety and reduce duplication.
Broader research reinforces these findings.
A 2024 article found that digital health capability in rural healthcare hinges on governance, people, interoperability and strategy.
Other fact-sheets highlight that about 30 per cent of Australians live in rural, regional or remote communities, where connectivity and digital literacy remain major barriers.
The federal government’s digital aged-care reform agenda now includes staged upgrades of systems, with providers required to implement new digital processes from November 2025 onwards.
As rural aged-care providers look ahead, the message is clear: the technology exists, but unlocking its full potential demands investment, training and leadership.
Whether rural older Australians can benefit equally hinges on bridging the digital divide now.
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