People living in remote locations usually face the issue of accessing general practitioners after hours. According to the abs.gov. in 2022-23, 5.5% of Australians consulted an after-hour GP. This evolution of consulting the GP after hours in Australia has been a solution for connecting patients with healthcare practitioners via healthcare-providing platforms, specifically in remote areas.

After-Hours Services in Australia?

Time beyond the regular working hours for medical practices or services is called After-hours in Australia. After-hour services are for patients who require medical support and advice after the clinics are closed. There could be an urgent non-urgent condition requiring medical attention and can’t wait for regular GP clinical hours. There could be many reasons for GPs to close their clinic, for example, late nights, weekends or public holidays.

Obstacles to Access General Practitioners After Hours

.There are many obstacles involved if you want to access general practitioners after hours, especially in remote areas of Australia. Some of the prominent issues are mentioned below:

⦁ Geographical isolation: Many remote areas in Australia are located far from healthcare facilities, making it challenging for residents to reach a doctor after hours, especially during emergencies.

⦁ Limited access: Due to lower population density, rural areas may have fewer general practitioners, reducing the availability of after-hours medical care.

⦁ Transportation difficulties: Limited public transport options and vast distances can make it hard for people to access healthcare services outside of regular hours.

⦁ Cost concerns: The expense of after-hours GP services can be prohibitive, especially in regions with higher living costs or limited bulk-billing practices.

⦁ Health literacy issues: In some remote communities, a lack of health literacy and awareness may lead to delays in seeking medical care.

⦁ Cultural challenges: Indigenous populations and migrants may face additional obstacles due to language barriers, cultural beliefs, and the scarcity of culturally sensitive healthcare providers.

Significance to Access GP Services After Services

Access to GP services after hours in rural locations in Australia is crucial for various reasons.

• Urgent care: In the Countryside access to the general practitioner after hours is essential in many cases including minor accidents and urgent medical issues. Delays in medical care due to the unavailability of the healthcare practitioner can result in complications.
• Managing Chronic Conditioner: most people living with chronic conditions in distant areas need constant management. They need to access the after-hours general practitioner for continuity of care and rapid actions to avoid consequences.
• Regular Check-ups: For preventive care general practitioners play a significant role. If there is 24-hour access, citizens will get proper preventive healthcare without taking leave from work/ school.
• Healthcare for vulnerable residents: Populations that require healthcare frequently including old-age citizens, children and Indigenous populations live in remote areas well. With the after-hour access to General practitioners, these groups will also get equal healthcare services.
• Improved community well-being: The availability of general practitioners after hours the overall health and confidence of remote communities by fostering a sense of security and trust in the healthcare system.
• Mental health assistance: Isolation and other challenges contribute to the high rates of mental health issues in remote areas. Access to general practitioners outside of regular hours provides immediate support and intervention during mental health crises.

How to Access General Practitioners After Hours?

The following are two major available ways to access general practitioners after hours in Australia, specifically in remote areas:

• Telehealth Services:
  Telehealth services including medical certificates, online doctor consultations, and online prescriptions are for non-emergency situations.
• Emergency Departments:
  For emergencies, it’s best to take patients to the emergency department of the nearby hospital facilities.
• Telehealth services available by after-hours doctors and GP:
  Many telehealth services are available to make access to general practitioners after hours convenient for patients
• Online Doctor Consultation:
  Telehealth consultation can be done any time of the day, given the secure platform of Doctor Help, all the patients need is to discuss their medical conditions online with the doctor. This is the best type of communication in non-emergency situations where patients require medical advice for different medical conditions, which doesn’t require urgent medical assistance.
• Online Medical certificate:
  If you require the medical certificate for leave from work or school, then you can apply for it online. No need to book an in-person appointment for the online medical certificates.
• Online Prescription:
  For new or repeated prescriptions, access general practitioners after hours, with the convenience of your home. This is one of the best options to control your medical conditions which require frequent management.
• Online Referrals:
  For getting referrals for specialists or screening, you can consult the online GPs after hours.

Conclusion:

One of the most convenient ways to access general practitioners after hours is through telehealth services. These are tailored to provide essential support in non-emergency situations, especially its the best solution for people located in remote locations in Australia. This ensures that medical advice is properly given to those who require it, bridging the gaps between healthcare.