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A recent WNSW PHN information session—supported by Visionflex, a leading provider of virtual care solutions—brought together GPs, registrars, practice nurses, and practice managers to explore how virtual care can enhance aged care delivery, streamline workflows, and complement—rather than replace—in-person visits.

Dr Paresh Dawda opened the session with an overview of the General Practice Aged Care Incentive (GPACI), an Australian Government initiative to improve access to GPs and support proactive, quality care for aged care residents.

Mike Harman, Co-Founder and Head of Product at Visionflex, followed with live demonstrations of remote care scenarios, showing how physicians can maintain clinical oversight during virtual consultations. Using tools like the GEIS® General Examination Camera and a USB-connected digital stethoscope integrated with the Vision platform, clinicians can guide care providers in real time to ensure accurate assessments. Vision video conferencing calls are secured with end-to-end encryption and support safe health data exchange through HL7 and FHIR—trusted interoperability standards that enable integration with electronic health records.

The demonstrations highlighted how virtual care can strengthen aged care teams, support shared care planning, and help reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

Virtual care extends clinical reach into regional and remote communities, reduces travel and operational strain, and helps avoid unnecessary transfers for residents. Most importantly, it preserves comfort and dignity—delivering timely, accurate, and compassionate care that complements in-person visits, ensuring residents receive the support they need even when GPs can’t be there physically.