A statement from Swinburne said the two companies aimed to engage students and the wider community to use the latest telehealth technology and redefine the model of healthcare.

Coviu will provide access to cutting-edge technology for Swinburne students, researchers and clinical services, while Swinburne students will learn how to break down the distance and barriers between healthcare professionals and patients.

“Having our students prepared for a workforce where healthcare is increasingly delivered remotely, is imperative and something that is at the core of digital health’s future in Australia. We need graduates that are comfortable using this technology and Swinburne will produce them,” said Dr Mark Merolli, academic director of Digital Health & Informatics at Swinburne.

“Health and digital technology go hand in hand, and this partnership reflects Swinburne’s commitment to being a leader in digital health and our passion for innovation in all aspects of teaching, training and research.”

Dr Silvia Pfeiffer, chief executive and co-founder of Coviu, said: “Our goal is to bring fairer access to healthcare for all citizens, regardless of their location, and this partnership takes us one step closer.

“Research has shown that up to 80% of clinician visits can be provided online with comparable clinical outcomes. We’ve worked hard to make our telehealth technology simple to use by patients and providers, however it’s absolutely essential that the next generation of medical professionals are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to make online consultations as effective as possible. Our partnership with Swinburne will ensure that this process takes place.

“Beyond geographical constraints, there’s often a stigma attached to seeking support for certain health services; for example, mental health. However, for many people, this disappears when they can do it from the comfort and privacy of their own home. This makes telehealth a fantastic — and under-utilised — solution for those seeking aid, regardless of location."

Swinburne aims to embed Coviu technology in the curriculum of nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, dietetics, health science, and digital health and informatics. These will be taught through Swinburne’s new Health Precinct, which utilises the latest in technology and facilities.

The technology will also be implemented in Swinburne’s new Master of Physiotherapy, and Graduate Certificate in Teleaudiology, set to launch from mid-2019.