In Melbourne, a city known for its vibrancy and growth, thousands of people face a different reality. According to the Council to Homeless Persons, over 24,000 people experience homelessness in Victoria each night, and many struggle to access basic healthcare services. A lack of stable housing and support means that chronic illnesses go untreated, mental health issues are often unmanaged, and preventable conditions can escalate into emergency situations. Addressing these issues is not only urgent but critical to Melbourne’s public health landscape.
The Mobile GP Hybrid Telehealth Model has been introduced to bridge this healthcare gap, leveraging digital technology and local, in-person support to reach people without requiring them to visit traditional clinics. This approach aims to deliver consistent, accessible, and holistic healthcare services to Melbourne’s homeless population. What is the Mobile GP Hybrid Telehealth Model? The Mobile GP Hybrid Telehealth Model combines digital telehealth technology with on-the-ground support from community organisations. This dual approach offers flexible, immediate access to healthcare services, allowing clients to connect with a general practitioner (GP) from the security of a community-based location, such as one of the many Homeless Relief Services. This model aligns with findings from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, which has noted that increasing accessibility to preventative health services can significantly reduce emergency department visits and hospital admissions among people experiencing homelessness. Why This Model Matters: The Health Access Gap in Melbourne For those experiencing homelessness, healthcare is often out of reach. Data from the Victorian Department of Health indicates that nearly 45% of people experiencing homelessness report barriers to accessing necessary health services. The Mobile GP Hybrid Telehealth Model is designed to address these obstacles directly by enabling clients to access healthcare from familiar and supportive settings, such as HRS locations. Here, trained staff can assist clients in booking appointments and navigating digital tools, making healthcare more approachable and breaking down logistical and psychological barriers. How the Model Works: A Flexible, Local Approach to Healthcare This model functions through a streamlined, supportive system designed to meet people where they are. Here’s how it works in practice:
The Evidence: Positive Outcomes and Feedback Early data from similar telehealth models in Melbourne suggests a significant positive impact. The Royal Melbourne Hospital’s study on telehealth in homeless populations found that clients who received consistent, accessible telehealth services reported a 30% reduction in emergency department visits over six months. Additionally, those with complex health issues who accessed telehealth services through community support reported increased medication adherence and improved health outcomes. Feedback from both clients and staff at Vincent Care's Ozanam House reflects similar success. One client shared, “Having access to a doctor without needing to leave the place I feel safe has changed everything. I finally feel like my health is being looked after.” The Road Ahead: The next step is expanding the Mobile GP Hybrid Telehealth Model across Melbourne, reaching more people in need. Over the coming months, the goal is to partner with Homeless Relief Services. By engaging these partners, the program can continue to refine and adapt, gathering data to shape best practices in hybrid telehealth for homeless populations. A Healthier, More Inclusive Melbourne The Mobile GP Hybrid Telehealth Model is creating real change in how healthcare is delivered to Melbourne’s homeless community. By leveraging technology and community support, it is possible to bring healthcare closer to the people who need it most, breaking down barriers that have long kept them underserved. This model is not just about providing services but about creating an inclusive approach to healthcare that acknowledges and meets the unique needs of Melbourne’s homeless population. About the Author Brett is a project manager and healthcare advocate with a focus on improving access to essential services for Melbourne’s most vulnerable populations. With experience in community health initiatives, Brett currently leads the Mobile GP Hybrid Telehealth Model, an innovative program that brings accessible healthcare to people experiencing homelessness. Through a mix of telehealth and in-person support, Brett works closely with local Homeless Relief Services to bridge healthcare gaps and ensure continuity of care. Committed to fostering a more inclusive healthcare system, Brett believes in creating lasting partnerships and practical solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.
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In Australia, access to healthcare can be challenging for individuals experiencing homelessness, those who are elderly, and others facing housing insecurity. For these groups, getting to a GP clinic or specialist facility can feel out of reach, resulting in unmet healthcare needs that can lead to severe health complications. Responding to these needs, the Mobile GP program was created, employing a Hybrid model that combines in-person visits and Telehealth to make healthcare more accessible, practical, and responsive. This approach, which focuses on physical and mental health, brings medical and mental health support directly to people at homeless relief services, and community-based locations. Why Mobile GP? Why a Hybrid Model? Statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that more than 116,000 people experience homelessness each night in Australia. In addition, as housing costs rise, homelessness and housing insecurity continue to affect a significant portion of the population. For individuals experiencing these conditions, a traditional healthcare setting may not be practical or accessible. Studies indicate that people experiencing homelessness often face higher rates of chronic illness and have a life expectancy nearly 30 years shorter than the general population, largely due to untreated health conditions. The Hybrid Mobile GP model was developed to address these healthcare access barriers by combining face-to-face and Telehealth services to provide on-demand care wherever people may be. This approach increases healthcare accessibility by delivering services through a blend of in-person visits and online support. It reduces the logistical and financial obstacles associated with traditional healthcare access, helping individuals receive medical attention on a more regular basis. How the Hybrid Model Works: A Flexible Approach to Consistent Care The Mobile GP Hybrid model is designed to be flexible, with in-person visits currently provided at Ozanam House in North Melbourne. To complement this, Telehealth services are available between visits, allowing for continuity of care that may otherwise be difficult to maintain. This Hybrid model has been effective for individuals who might otherwise go without essential healthcare services. For example, an elderly person living in transitional housing may have limited mobility, making travel to a clinic challenging. Through the Hybrid model, they can receive in-person medical assessments and manage ongoing health concerns through Telehealth appointments between visits, providing them with greater consistency in their care. For individuals experiencing homelessness, the Hybrid model can also provide continuity that is often lacking in standard healthcare. A person in temporary accommodation who struggles with mental health challenges can start their care journey with a Telehealth session and then continue with in-person support. By offering mental health services, the program works to reduce the gaps in care often encountered by those experiencing homelessness. Addressing Mental Health in Vulnerable Populations: Movember and the Mobile GP Program This Movember, the Mobile GP program is bringing attention to men’s mental health—a significant issue among those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Men represent approximately 75% of suicides in Australia, with rates particularly high among those aged 85 and over. Among people facing housing insecurity, untreated mental health issues can further limit access to employment, social support, and stable housing. In the Mobile GP program, mental health support is offered through Telehealth. For someone dealing with housing instability, a Telehealth session may be the first step toward seeking help without the barriers associated with traditional clinical environments. A Flexible Future for Vulnerable Australians The Mobile GP Hybrid model’s combination of in-person and Telehealth care has shown potential in making healthcare accessible to those facing significant barriers. Through partnerships and ongoing developments, the program continues to adapt, aiming to meet a wider range of healthcare needs in diverse community settings. By increasing the flexibility and accessibility of care, the Mobile GP program is working to ensure that more Victorians can receive healthcare that suits their needs and circumstances. With this approach, the Mobile GP program is part of a broader effort to address the complex challenges of homelessness, housing insecurity, and mental health. As it evolves, the Hybrid model aims to provide a reliable, accessible healthcare option for vulnerable populations. Through collaboration and continued adaptation, this program seeks to bring care directly to individuals, offering a practical and dignified healthcare solution for Australians who may otherwise be left without access. About the Author Brett is a passionate advocate for accessible healthcare and community-driven support systems. As Project Manager of the Mobile GP program, he’s committed to creating solutions that bring life-saving care directly to vulnerable populations. With a background in healthcare project management and community initiatives, Brett champions innovative models to ensure that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has access to critical medical and mental health services. Driven by a belief in the power of connection and community, Brett is also dedicated to sharing these stories and fostering greater awareness through his work in local media and healthcare integration. |
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