Lifeguard’s remote patient monitoring solution helps healthcare providers virtually monitor “patient health status” in between visits to close information gaps in care.
Lifeguard enables the extension of care giving to those most vulnerable, significantly improves access to support systems, local clinical care teams and expert medical advice, especially in regional and remote communities. Using the remote monitoring of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and vital signs, patients will be monitored for early signs of deterioration by a Care Coordinator, based on site within health services.
Vital signs, PROMs and other elements related to specific conditions will be routinely recorded by the patient through an app on a smartphone device and uploaded in real time for health service monitoring.
Gippsland PHN, Gippsland General Practices and Lifeguard are working closely together to establish a truly new care model which can serve as a blueprint for the rest of healthcare to follow.
Practitioners in general practices, as well as providers in clinics, hospitals and bush nursing centres, can scale their ability to care for patients in between face to face visits. This is especially beneficial for patients who have chronic and complex health conditions. Clinicians can set up patients in Lifeguard via a simple email. Patients then enter their information in an online registration and install the Lifeguard app on their Android or iPhone smartphone.
Whether you are a patient or a caregiver supporting a family member or friend Lifeguard provides a “virtual safety net” making it easy for the healthcare team to monitor symptoms and possible side effects to treatments.
With Lifeguard you can:
| Provider | Benefits |
|---|---|
General practice, health service | Greater ability to prioritise patients needing urgent attention Real-time understanding of the acuity of monitored patient cohort Reduced unplanned hospitalisations Enhanced patient satisfaction Improved ability to recall based on clinical needs |
General practitioners / practice nurses /care coordinators | Greater ability to prioritise patients needing urgent attention Real-time understanding of the acuity of monitored patient cohort Reduced unplanned hospitalisations Increased ability to understand patient symptoms / problems prior to appointment, resulting in more efficient and focused use of time |
Hospitals and health services | Gain a real-time understanding of monitored patient cohort Reduced unplanned hospitalisations and reduced length of stay Enhanced patient satisfaction Improved ability to recall based on clinical needs Greater ability to prioritise and triage patients needing urgent attention Reduced exacerbation of conditions requiring urgent attention |
Patients | Improved quality of life Improved health and wellbeing Improved patient engagement and positive behavioural change Improved confidence in the safety net provided by primary care, and remote monitoring from hospitals Reduced unplanned hospitalisations and readmission |
Health system | Reduced unplanned hospitalisations Reduced emergency/urgent care presentations Ability to include acute care clinicians in ‘virtual care team’ |
General | Contribution to evidence and research investigation leading to replicable model of care and scale up model |
If you would like to be involved, or your practice or health service would like a demonstration of Remote Patient Monitoring – Lifeguard, please contact us at digital.health@gphn.org.au for further information.
Gippsland PHN provides Lifeguard to assist practices to manage their chronic disease and COVID-19 positive patients remotely.
There is currently no direct cost to the practice. Lifeguard is currently licensed to eligible practices for the term of their contract with Gippsland PHN.
For patients who want to get involved, they need to speak with their practices or GP first. If remote patient monitoring using Lifeguard is right for you, then you will receive an invite from your health service. It is strongly advised that patients do not download the app on their phone until prompted to do so during the invitation process.
Lifeguard have signed an agreement with Gippsland PHN, indicating they will abide by the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) in the Australian Privacy Act (APA). The information entered on the App by the patient will be stored securely in Australia.
For support contact Gippsland PHN on 03 5175 5444 or contact digital.health@gphn.org.au
Step-by-step video instructions
Quick Reference Guides
Main office
11 Seymour Street, Traralgon, Gunaikurnai Country
13 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi, Bunurong Country
119 Main Street, Bairnsdale, Gunaikurnai Country
Gippsland PHN is committed to providing inclusive services and work environments where people of all backgrounds, sexualities, genders, cultures, spiritual beliefs, age, bodies and abilities are valued, supported and celebrated.
Gippsland PHN acknowledges the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people/s as the traditional Custodians of Country across the Gippsland region.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people/s continuing connection to Land, Water and Community.
We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People/s, Cultures, and their Elders past and present.
We also recognise, respect and affirm the central role played in our work by people with lived experience, their families and/or carers.
Gippsland PHN acknowledges Alfie Hudson for the healing circles artwork. Alfie is a Gunai Kurnai man and created this artwork which represents health professionals being committed to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members for the best health outcomes.
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