Telehealth now and in the next decade

Telehealth has enormous potential to change to way in which conventional healthcare is delivered to the community. There are now new tools available for health practitioners, however the emergence of technology and ICT systems has well outstripped the logistic framework of traditional healthcare. In addition, clinicians have not had training in the use of the digital instruments available to them. While recognising the drivers for change that are acting on the stakeholders, there are several defined means that are required to deliver the vision for optimal healthcare. To enable effective policy development, we must look to the creation of evidence to underpin decision-making. A number of gaps exist in the evidence base we currently use. In parallel with the development of the biotech sector, the growth of a robust and objective health ICT industry, fostering concept incubators, will provide cost-beneficial solutions and better health for the community.