A new position statement from the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) and the Australian Cardiovascular Health and Rehabilitation Association (ACRA) identifies telehealth as a cornerstone of modern cardiovascular care and sets out best practice recommendations to support its safe and effective use.
Cardiovascular disease affects more than 4.7 million people across Australia and New Zealand and remains a leading cause of mortality in both countries. For many patients, particularly those who struggle to attend face-to-face appointments, telehealth offers a practical means of improving access to high-quality cardiovascular services and enhancing clinical outcomes.
Telehealth enables patients to receive medical, nursing and allied health support within their homes and communities, rather than travelling to hospitals or clinics. In geographically vast regions such as Australia and New Zealand, this model of care can significantly reduce barriers created by distance. It can also benefit urban patients who face mobility, time, or logistical constraints.
Published in Heart, Lung and Circulation, the position statement was developed by a multidisciplinary team of 38 experts from across Australia and New Zealand. The document provides clinicians with practical, evidence-based guidance on integrating telehealth into adult cardiovascular care while maintaining professional standards and patient safety. It also serves as a resource for patients, advocates and community organisations, outlining how telehealth can strengthen access, support coordinated care delivery and improve patient experience.
The experts emphasise that telehealth should complement, rather than replace, in-person care. When designed collaboratively with input from both patients and clinicians, it can enhance service accessibility and overall care quality.
The aim of the new statement was to synthesise the most robust contemporary evidence into a single, accessible resource to guide both clinical practice and research. The statement also addresses long-term sustainability, positioning telehealth as a core component of future healthcare delivery rather than a temporary solution. While international evidence was reviewed, the statement places particular emphasis on Australian and New Zealand data to ensure relevance for local stakeholders and healthcare systems.
The position statement was developed in partnership with hearts4heart, a health promotion charity and peak advocacy body supporting people living with heart disease.
A key theme throughout the statement is equity. The authors stress the need for inclusivity and cultural safety, particularly for communities that experience disproportionate cardiovascular burden and barriers to care, including Māori, Pasifika, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and individuals with disability or complex care needs.
The position statement is a comprehensive, evidence-based framework to guide the use of telehealth in adult cardiovascular care, supporting equitable access, multidisciplinary collaboration and culturally responsive, patient-centred practice.
Source: University of Technology Sydney
Image Credit: iStock
