Virtually Integrated Regional Geriatric Outcomes (VIRGO)

​

Overview
The Virtually Integrated Regional Geriatric Outcomes (VIRGO) Model of Care is an innovative approach to supporting older adults in rural and regional areas who face significant barriers to accessing specialised geriatric care. By integrating geriatric expertise into local healthcare settings through telehealth, the VIRGO model aims to reduce hospital admissions, improve care continuity, and ensure timely and comprehensive management of complex health needs. This can include:

• Virtual Geriatric Wards – Providing specialist input for complex cases in regional hospitals

• Telehealth & Remote Support – Connecting regional clinicians with specialist geriatricians

• Workforce Training – Supporting local healthcare professionals with ongoing education​

• Outcomes Reporting - showcasing measurable impact on clinical services

• Community Continuity of Care - patient support post-discharge from hospital

​

The Need for Improved Geriatric Care
Older adults in rural and regional communities often experience delayed diagnoses, fragmented care, and unnecessary hospitalisations due to limited access to specialised geriatric services. High rates of chronic diseases, such as dementia, exacerbate the challenges of managing older patients' health. Additionally, inconsistent community-based support can disrupt continuity of care for those with complex health and aged care needs.

​

The VIRGO Model of Care: A Virtual Geriatrician Service
Geriatric Care Australia (GCA) offers the VIRGO model, a virtual geriatrician service designed to improve access to specialist care for older adults, spanning across acute, subacute, and chronic care stages. This model integrates geriatric expertise into the care pathway at key touchpoints, enhancing the overall healthcare experience and outcomes for patients.

​

Key Components of the VIRGO Model:

• Acute Care: Geriatricians participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to provide specialist input and inpatient reviews, ensuring high-quality decision-making for patients in the acute phase of their care. In-patient reviews are performed for common geriatric issues like delirium, behavioural disturbance, and cognitive assessments.

• Subacute Care: Ongoing consultations with community care teams help manage patients recently discharged from hospital, preventing readmissions and optimising recovery. Geriatricians also triage community reviews for timely interventions.

• Chronic Care: Regular follow-ups with geriatricians facilitate comprehensive assessments and long-term management, working collaboratively with primary care providers to ensure continuous support for patients with complex needs.

​

Collaboration and Integration with Local Healthcare Teams
The success of the VIRGO model relies on seamless integration with existing local healthcare workflows. We work closely with healthcare teams, including hospitals, primary care providers, and aged care services, to create clear care pathways and improve coordination. Open communication, education, and stakeholder engagement are essential to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

​

Positive Outcomes and Impact
The implementation of the VIRGO model has shown promising results in improving access to specialised care, reducing hospital admissions, and enhancing the management of dementia and other complex health conditions. In communities where the model has been adopted:

• Patients are less likely to be admitted to the hospital after being reviewed by a geriatrician.

• Medication adjustments and cognitive assessments have led to better management of medications and early detection of cognitive impairments.

• Healthcare staff have reported increased confidence in managing geriatric care, leading to improved decision-making and patient outcomes.

​

Sustainable and Scalable Model
The VIRGO model is designed for long-term sustainability by integrating telehealth services into routine clinical practices. Through clinical data capture and continuous quality improvement initiatives, we ensure ongoing service optimisation. The flexibility of the model also supports expansion into other regional areas, providing a scalable solution to address healthcare access and workforce challenges.

​

How to Collaborate
We invite healthcare providers and organisations in regional areas to reach out to Geriatric Care Australia to explore how the VIRGO model can be implemented in your community. By partnering with us, you can help improve geriatric care access and enhance patient outcomes for older adults across Australia.

​

Please email GCA at info@geriatriccareaustralia.com.au for more information.