About the project
The project will test a new framework to deliver virtual nursing services in aged care. We will test virtual nursing at a select number of residential aged care homes which could benefit from extra clinical support. This includes providers that are:
- experiencing workforce shortages
- located in rural and remote areas
- supporting First Nations or culturally and linguistically diverse older people.
Why it is important
Virtual nursing services offer reliable and consistent care when face-to-face support is not available or where there are workforce shortages.
Older people may benefit from virtual nursing by having increased access to high-quality care when and where they need it, regardless of where they live.
Goals of the project
This project aims to build evidence of how virtual nursing can support the delivery of person centred, quality clinical care aged care services.
This project will not contribute to providers 24/7 registered nurse or care minute requirements. However, it will test how virtual nursing can further enhance the provision of high-quality care by providing staff with access to extra clinical expertise if and when it’s needed.
Meeting our goals
During the project, a small group of residential aged care homes will have access to virtual support for:
- clinical decision-making
- care planning
- protocol management.
We have appointed Amplar Health to test the virtual nursing framework in up to 30 residential aged care homes until 30 June 2027.
Who we work with
We invited 30 residential aged care homes to participate in the project with a focus on homes located in rural to very remote locations. In consultation with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, we chose a select sample of providers to participate. Participants include:
- residential aged care homes experiencing shortages in nursing
- those who support First Nations or culturally and linguistically diverse older people.
Evaluating the project
We have contracted La Trobe University to independently evaluate the project. The evaluation process will consider the impact of virtual care on clinical outcomes, workforce, and service sustainability.
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