Bridging Distances: A Retrospective Study of Virtual Wound Care to Reduce Travel Burden in Rural Healthcare
Leahy, Catherine, Barakat-Johnson, Michelle, Deravin, Linda, Biros, Erik, and Kornhaber, Rachel (2025) Bridging Distances: A Retrospective Study of Virtual Wound Care to Reduce Travel Burden in Rural Healthcare. Australian Journal of Rural Health, 33 (5). e70095.
|
PDF (Published Version)
- Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (274kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Introduction: This study assessed the Virtual Wound Consultancy Service (VWCS) in reducing travel burden and lowering travel costs for rural patients requiring wound care. With one-third of Australians in regional or remote areas facing limited healthcare access, this study examined how virtual care could overcome geographical barriers, focusing on travel time and cost. Methods: A retrospective analysis compared service utilisation and travel savings between patients using the VWCS and those receiving traditional in-person care. Data from chronic wound patients across inpatient, outpatient and residential aged-care settings in a large rural health district (July 2018 to March 2024) were reviewed. Key outcomes included travel time, travel costs and travel distance. Results: The VWCS significantly reduced travel burdens. Patients living more than 201 km from specialist centres saved an average of 444 min per round trip. Financially, patients saved up to AU$507.49 per trip, with the highest savings for those farthest away. The VWCS also provided timely access to wound care, with an average wait time of 3.7 days from referral to consultation. Most services involved audio/visual assessments (40%), case management (27.5%) and email consultations (18%). Over the study period, the VWCS serviced 384 patients, averaging 2.6 consultations per patient. Conclusion: The VWCS significantly improves access to wound care for rural populations by reducing the time burden. These results support expanding virtual care models in rural areas. Future research should assess long-term clinical outcomes and refine virtual care delivery for greater quality and cost-effectiveness.
| Item ID: | 89977 |
|---|---|
| Item Type: | Article (Research - C1) |
| ISSN: | 1440-1584 |
| Keywords: | healthcare, remote, rural, telehealth, virtual, wound care |
| Copyright Information: | © 2025 The Author(s). Australian Journal of Rural Health published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of National Rural Health Alliance Ltd. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution- NonCommercial- NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non- commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made. |
| Date Deposited: | 04 Aug 2026 03:39 |
| FoR Codes: | 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4203 Health services and systems > 420321 Rural and remote health services @ 100% |
| SEO Codes: | 20 HEALTH > 2005 Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health) > 200508 Rural and remote area health @ 100% |
| More Statistics |
Actions (Repository Staff Only)
 |
Item Control Page |