Syncchronous Telehealth: Ensuring Safe and Reliable Care
Telehealth has transformed how Australians access healthcare, offering convenience and accessibility. Some services allow patients to request prescriptions or medical certificates via forms only, without speaking directly to a doctor.
While convenient, asynchronous telehealth may not meet the safety and quality standards recommended by the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
Today, we will explain why real-time telehealth consultations are safer, how guidelines shape best practice, and how patients can make informed choices.
What Is Asynchronous Telehealth?
Asynchronous telehealth is when a patient submits information online, such as a form or questionnaire, and receives medical advice, a prescription, or a certificate without a live consultation.
Synchronous telehealth, on the other hand, involves real-time interaction, typically via video or phone call. Doctors can ask follow-up questions, clarify symptoms, and provide personalised advice — a key factor in safe and effective care.
The Risks of Asynchronous Telehealth
While form-only services may be faster, real-time consultations provide crucial safety benefits:
- Incomplete assessment: Forms cannot capture nuance or follow-up questions.
- Missed warning signs: Some conditions require real-time discussion for early detection.
- Medication safety: Prescriptions without consultation risk interactions or incorrect dosing.
- Legitimacy and recognition: Medical certificates issued following a proper consultation are more widely accepted by employers, insurers, and pharmacies.
Official Guidelines on Telehealth
The Medical Board of Australia’s 2023 Telehealth Guidelines emphasise safe practice for online healthcare:
- Prescribing medication without a real-time consultation is generally considered not good medical practice.
- Telehealth should meet the same standards as in-person care.
- Continuity of care is strongly recommended (Medical Board of Australia, 2023).
The RACGP echoes this guidance, noting that telehealth works best when there is ongoing care, and video or phone consultations are preferred over form-only methods (RACGP, 2023).
Benefits of Real-Time Telehealth for Patients
Real-time consultations provide:
- Personalised medical advice tailored to your health situation.
- Opportunity to ask questions and fully understand treatment options.
- Documented medical history for ongoing care.
- Safe prescriptions and certificates that comply with regulations.
How Instant Consult Ensures Safe Telehealth
At Instant Consult, patient safety is our priority:
- All consultations occur in real time via video or phone with Australian-registered doctors.
- Prescriptions and certificates are issued based on professional judgement, following Medical Board of Australia guidelines.
- Our service promotes continuity of care, helping patients build a trusted medical history.
Choosing a Telehealth Provider
When selecting a telehealth service, look for providers who:
- Offer real-time consultations with qualified doctors.
- Follow Medical Board of Australia and RACGP guidelines.
- Provide clear explanations for prescriptions and certificates.
- Maintain continuity of care for ongoing medical management.
These factors ensure telehealth is both convenient and safe.
Conclusion
Telehealth offers unprecedented convenience, but safety and professional standards must remain a priority. We highly recommend that everyone request online prescriptions through a real-time online doctor consultation or an in-person consultation.
Instant Consult combines accessibility with best-practice telehealth. Our doctors issue prescriptions only after a real-time consultation and when it is deemed clinically appropriate. It may take a few extra minutes compared to filling out a questionnaire, but the care you receive is far more reliable, legitimate, and effective.
