O005 Telemedicine for regional patients: translating sleep services closer to home

Abstract Introduction Poor sleep affects up to 45% of Australians, with regional populations facing significant barriers to sleep services. In Queensland, where over a third of the population resides outside metropolitan areas, these inequities are particularly evident. This project assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth-led, regionally delivered sleep service pathway in Rockhampton—a major centre lacking a public sleep service. Methods Over 12 months, a sleep care pathway was implemented for patients with suspected sleep disorders, principally sleep-disordered breathing. This was governed by the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, 637 km away, and delivered via telehealth with local provider support. Outcomes included feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness, measured by recruitment, retention, adherence, and satisfaction. Results Eighty-four patients were referred; 69 attended their initial appointment demonstrating a service uptake of 82%. Of these, 30 (36%) were triaged directly to level-II polysomnography due to high pre-test probability of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Moderate to severe OSA was present in 60.9% (n = 25/41) of the patients studied. 51 patients (60.7%) were initiated on CPAP therapy and 3 progressed to testing for hypersomnolence. The pathway showed strong recruitment, good attendance to diagnostic and treatment steps. Patient satisfaction was high, particularly with accessibility and convenience. Clinicians reported positive engagement, supporting integration into standard practice. Discussion This study demonstrated a feasible, scalable model for delivering sleep care in regional Queensland. By overcoming geographic barriers, the pathway improved access and efficiency. The model holds strong potential for replication across other regions to enhance equity in health.