Australia Embarks on Virtual Aged Care Transformation with Medibank Partnership
Australia, Monday, 7 April 2025.
Australia’s Department of Health is launching a five-year virtual nursing trial with Medibank’s Amplar Health, focusing on rural and diverse elder populations from March 2025 to June 2027.
Strategic Focus on Remote and Diverse Communities
The virtual nursing trial will specifically target residential aged care homes in rural and remote areas, with a particular emphasis on supporting elderly First Nations people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds [1]. This initiative comes as part of Australia’s broader digital transformation in aged care, addressing key challenges identified during the recent Support@Home Summit, including concerns about digital literacy and rural connectivity [2].
Integration of Advanced Digital Solutions
Amplar Health’s virtual nursing team will serve as an extension of on-ground care teams, providing specialist support in critical areas such as wound care and dementia management [1]. The integration of digital health solutions is being complemented by innovative virtual reality initiatives, as demonstrated by organizations like SilVR Adventures, which are already working to combat isolation among older adults through technology-enabled social engagement [3]. This multi-faceted approach to digital care aims to create a more responsive and accessible aged care system.
Workforce Development and Digital Capability
A crucial component of this digital transformation is the focus on workforce development. Recent research emphasizes the need for comprehensive digital health capability building within the aged care workforce [4]. The initiative includes a free telehealth training package for residential aged care staff, covering essential aspects such as end-of-life care delivery and technical troubleshooting [1].
Future Implications and Sustainability
As part of the five-year Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy, this virtual nursing trial represents a significant step toward modernizing Australia’s aged care sector [1]. The initiative aligns with broader sector reforms, including expanded funding for end-of-life pathways with provisions of $25,000 per pathway [2]. Through this coordinated approach to digital transformation, the Australian government is working to create a more sustainable and effective aged care system that can better serve its aging population [1][2].