New Zealand is developing an integrated telehealth service to improve public access to healthcare.
The goal is to provide a multi-channel approach, including phone advice through text messaging, email-phone applications, ad well as social media and web-based services.
The integrated telehealth service is also expected to reduce the pressure on after hours primary care (i.e. ambulance services, doctors and emergency departments making good use of local health and injury services across the country) and improve effectiveness in the development and monitoring of these services.
Services are currently delivered by a mix of commercial, university, and non-government organizations that together handle around two million calls by the public per year.