Supporting men’s health in Australia remains an important priority as many men juggle work, family and personal wellbeing, often delaying care. This can worsen conditions like cardiovascular disease or mental illness. Men also face higher rates of risky behaviours, substance use and suicide than women.
In this article, healthcare providers will learn strategies to improve men’s health by offering accessible, patient-centred care. We’ll explore how telehealth and online platforms, including CannaDr, can connect men, including those with rare or complex conditions, to the right practitioners.
Men’s health is a critical public health issue. Australian Institute of Health and Wellness (AIHW) data show men have a higher burden of disease and earlier mortality than women. They are more likely to develop chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes, and less likely to seek preventive care. Risk factors such as chronic stress, poor sleep and unhealthy lifestyle habits contribute to this burden.
Takeaway points for practitioners:
Acknowledge unique risks: Men often underplay symptoms; proactive screening (e.g. blood pressure, cholesterol) is key.
Focus on prevention: Emphasise preventive healthcare for men (diet, exercise, quitting smoking) in patient discussions.
Highlight male-specific care: Clearly advertise services tailored to men (e.g. heart health checks, sexual health support).
By raising awareness of men’s health issues, practitioners can better target their services to male patients and emphasise patient-centred care.
Supporting men’s health in Australia face barriers like work commitments, rural isolation or stigma around seeking help. Telehealth and digital healthcare overcome many of these hurdles. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Patient Experiences 2024–25 report, 22.5% of Australians used telehealth for GP or specialist care during 2024–25. The report also found that only 17.8% of men accessed telehealth services compared with 27.0% of women, suggesting men may underuse these healthcare options. To improve access:
Offer flexible telehealth hours: Video or phone consults outside 9–5 can suit busy men.
Promote online booking: Enable 24/7 scheduling so men can book conveniently (many prefer online booking).
Emphasise anonymity and convenience: Men may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive issues via telehealth (no waiting room).
Streamline care for chronic conditions: Use digital tools to follow up with men who have chronic illnesses or rare diseases.
Platforms like CannaDr make practices more visible online. A strong online profile increases visibility and attracts new patients. By listing on CannaDr, practitioners make it easier for men to find them when searching “online healthcare Australia” or “men’s health services Australia,” boosting digital presence.
Telehealth consultations can remove barriers to care for men. For example, a busy father can talk to a doctor from home after work. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Patient Experiences 2024–25 report, telehealth use increased significantly during the pandemic, and many men continue to report positive experiences with these services.
The report found that 83.3% of men felt their telehealth practitioner listened carefully, which was higher than the reported percentage for women.
Key points for men’s wellbeing:
Convenience: Men save travel time and can schedule appointments around work and family.
Privacy: Discussing issues like stress, sleep, or sexual health may feel safer from home.
Continuity of care: Telehealth ensures chronic and rare conditions get regular monitoring.
Specialist access: Men in remote or regional areas gain access to specialists (e.g. counsellors, cardiologists) via online doctor consultations.
By promoting telehealth as an option, practitioners can reach men who might otherwise skip care. Emphasise in marketing that your practice offers telehealth Australia-wide, making your services accessible to all men across the country.
Healthcare is most effective when it is patient-centred – tailored to each person’s needs and preferences. For many men, this means building trust and involving them in decision-making. Strategies include:
Active listening: Give men time to explain symptoms; confirm understanding, and encourage questions.
Holistic focus: Address mental wellbeing and lifestyle factors as part of care (not just symptoms). Men often welcome advice on stress reduction, sleep quality and exercise.
Personalised care: Offer integrated or complementary options (e.g. nutrition advice, physiotherapy, counselling) when appropriate. Seeing health as interconnected supports both physical and mental wellbeing.
Cultural sensitivity: Consider social factors affecting men’s health (work stress, community roles).
For example, Phenix Health’s Men’s Health page outlines topics from sexual health to heart wellness. Practitioners can similarly highlight men’s health specialties on their profiles. Using patient-centred language and imagery (e.g. images showing a doctor listening intently) helps men feel understood and supported.
Men are less likely to seek help for mental health concerns, yet men’s suicide and anxiety rates remain high. Supporting men’s health requires a proactive approach that addresses both mental and physical wellbeing. Doctors can support men’s wellbeing by:
By supporting men’s health through both mental and physical care, practitioners demonstrate a holistic, patient-centred approach. Ensuring men can access services through telehealth or conveniently located clinics helps reduce barriers to care and reinforces that men’s health is a priority.
Australia’s healthcare system benefits when all communities can access care. To improve men’s access:
Use digital directories: Listing on CannaDr connects you with men nationwide looking for specialised care. It’s like being on a focused Yellow Pages for men’s wellness.
Engage local communities: Partner with local groups (e.g. sporting clubs, workplaces) to raise awareness of men’s health services.
Optimise online presence: Claim your practice on Google and health directories. Patients often research doctors online first. Ensure your online profile is complete with your areas of expertise (e.g. “men’s healthcare Australia”, “preventive care”).
Telehealth for remote areas: Highlight that you offer telehealth. Men in remote regions (“men in Australia-wide telehealth”) will find this reassuring.
Facilitating healthcare accessibility, through technology and outreach, helps more men get care. By improving digital presence and offering flexible services, practices can significantly increase bookings from men of all ages.
Supporting men’s health in Australia means meeting men where they are, online and in person, and centring care on their needs. Healthcare providers who highlight their men’s health expertise, offer telehealth and emphasise patient-centred communication will stand out.
Platforms like CannaDr amplify this reach by connecting qualified practitioners with men seeking alternative and integrative care. By embracing accessible, patient-focused strategies, doctors can improve male patient outcomes and grow their practice. Consider adding or updating your CannaDr profile to reach more men looking for support.
