Evaluating Remote Patient Monitoring

Researchers and clinicians from Western NSW Local Health District and the University of Sydney's School of Rural Health are partnering to evaluate the remote patient monitoring service called Virtual Support.

Remote patient monitoring is a way to deliver virtual care that uses digital health technology for the remote collection and analysis of a patient's vital signs.

The evaluation of the remote monitoring service will include looking at the health outcomes of the service, the economic efficiency of the service and interviews with staff and community members about their views of the service.

The project will run between July 2024 - September 2025.

We would like to hear community views about a service that provides remote monitoring of patients in rural hospitals in Western NSW.

There will be focus groups held at Forbes, Lightning Ridge and one online session with a maximum of six participants per group. Anyone 18 years or older is welcome to participate. The focus groups will run for 1.5 hours.

During the focus groups, we will provide information about the service and how it works, then ask the group questions about:

• how they feel about the remote monitoring service as potential patients, family and carers

• benefits they see to the service

• any concerns they have about the service

By sharing your perspective you are helping shape healthcare for rural communities in Western NSW. If you agree to join a focus group, you may leave at any time.

Refreshments will be provided and you will be paid for your time in line with NSW Health Guidelines. For a 1.5 hour focus group you will receive $60.

All of the information about the study is in the participant information statement.

For more information on attending a focus group please contact Anna

Update - Community Representatives

Thank you to everyone who registered interest to join the research project team as a Community Representative. These roles have now been filled.

Who do we need?

The Project Team are seeking two consumer or community representatives to guide the project including

• how to obtain feedback from the community on virtual support,
• information resources for community members and
• best way to share the research project results with the community

You do not need to have used the remote patient monitoring service to be part of the research team. We are looking for people who can provide a community perspective to the research team

You will be remunerated for your time at a rate of $40 per hour in line with the NSW Health Consumer, Carer and community member remuneration guideline.

How to apply

Register your interest by completing the Registration Form below. A member of the research team will be in touch to talk about the project.

Skills needed for the role

1. An interest in research. Experience in research or in being a consumer representative for a research project would be an advantage but is not necessary.
2. Having networks and connections with various groups in your community will help you provide a broad representative community perspective in meeting discussions.
3. Good communication skills and access to the internet to attend online meetings.

What you will do