Enhancing the implementation of provider-to-provider telehealth in rural and remote areas: A mixed methods study protocol.

Background: Virtual healthcare solutions are proposed as a way to combat the inequity of access to healthcare in rural and remote areas, and to better support the front-line providers who work in these areas. Rural provider-to-provider telehealth (RPPT) connects rural and remote clinicians to a 'hub' of healthcare specialists who can increase access to emergency and specialised healthcare via an integrated model. Reported benefits for the place-based provider include enhanced knowledge, expanded professional development opportunities, improved scope of practice, and increased confidence in treating more complex cases. These reported benefits could have implications for supporting and futureproofing our health workforce in terms of productivity, burnout, recruitment, and retention. Methods: The research uses an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach across multiple phases to evaluate the current implementation of Western Australia Country Health Service's (WACHS) Command Centre (CC) services and explore factors associated with their differential use. The primary population of interest and participants in this study are the place-based providers in country Western Australia (WA). Patient data constitutes the secondary population, informing the access and reach of CC services into country WA. Data collection will include service data, an online survey, and semi-structured interviews with the primary population. The data will be interpreted to inform evidence-based strategies and recommendations to improve the implementation and sustainment of RPPT. Discussion: Innovative and sustained workforce models and solutions are needed globally. Virtual healthcare, including provider-to-provider models, demonstrate potential, especially in rural and remote areas, designed to increase access to specialised expertise for patients and to support the local workforce. This research will generate new data around behaviour, perceptions, and value from the WACHS rural and remote workforce about provider-to-provider telehealth, to explore the implementation and investigate strategies for the long-term sustainment of RPPT services.