Bushlink portal brings e-healthcare to outback South Australia
Royal Flying Doctor Service SA/NT has introduced Bushlink, an online appointment booking portal developed in partnership with Five Faces, aimed at enhancing healthcare access for people in remote communities across South Australia.
The Bushlink portal, created through collaboration with RFDS primary healthcare patients in outback South Australia, brings digital appointment management to rural patients including those in communities such as Innamincka and Yunta. The tool permits users to sign up, book face-to-face appointments, select the type of consultation required, and receive automated reminders regarding their bookings.
In addition to basic scheduling, the portal offers further functionality, allowing users to reschedule or cancel appointments, complete digital forms, and participate in secure, two-way messaging with healthcare providers. The goal is to give residents of remote areas greater convenience and autonomy in managing their healthcare journeys.
Community involvement
The development of Bushlink involved input from patients in rural South Australia, reflecting a focus on grounding the tool in real-world community needs and expectations. Responding to the growing preference for digital convenience in healthcare, Mandy Smallacombe, RFDS SA/NT Primary Health Care Manager, stressed the organisation's commitment to accessibility across technology platforms.
"Today's patients are used to managing their lives online, from socialising to banking. We wanted to provide a solution that ensures no one is left behind when it comes to their health and wellbeing. Bushlink provides all-hours access for RFDS SA/NT patients to book and manage their face-to-face appointments via smartphone, tablet or computer. Based on feedback, we have included a 'booking on behalf of others' feature for those who need help with technology."
Bushlink accommodates multiple approaches by allowing patients to book appointments online, by telephone, or via email. This flexibility helps meet the needs of patients regardless of digital proficiency.
Technology and administration
Five Faces supplied the technology underpinning Bushlink, strengthening healthcare engagement for individuals in regions where digital tools can be less accessible. Nicole Nixon, CEO of Five Faces, said the portal was tailored for remote Australians and designed to adapt to local requirements.
"We're delighted to support RFDS SA/NT in improving the lives of rural Australians. Bushlink harnesses digital technology to make healthcare more accessible, while respecting the unique needs and preferences of remote communities."
The Bushlink Admin Console offers RFDS staff tools for managing appointments, administering patient forms including registration and consent, and engaging in secure messaging. The console has features for identifying incomplete registrations, sending SMS notifications, and is integrated with the Best Practise medical software to streamline the flow and accuracy of patient information.
Ongoing healthcare access
Patients in remote areas, who have previously faced challenges in accessing healthcare due to geographical isolation, will now have the opportunity to organise and alter their appointments at their convenience. The ability to use smartphones, tablets or computers means patients can engage with their healthcare providers regardless of the time of day or their location.
The adoption of Bushlink is positioned as part of RFDS SA/NT's ongoing strategy to enhance health outcomes by providing technology-enabled services that do not exclude those with lower digital skills. Patients who prefer traditional communication can continue to use phone or email to consult with RFDS SA/NT services. The 'booking on behalf of others' feature is designed to support community members who may not be comfortable with digital tools themselves.
The allocation of secure two-way messaging also supports more dynamic communication between rural patients and healthcare teams. Completing digital forms before appointments may lead to more efficient consultations and promote better preparation for patients who often face long journeys to access RFDS services.
Integration and support
Bushlink's technological integration with the Best Practise clinical system is aimed at reducing administrative tasks for RFDS staff and supporting accurate and timely patient records. Staff will have access to greater visibility over patient booking statuses and can intervene promptly if information or documentation is outstanding.
The deployment of this portal signals RFDS SA/NT's intention to provide digital tools that give communities across outback South Australia more control and transparency over their own healthcare experience while maintaining support for traditional service delivery channels.
