Question

In this Module there was an assigned reading on Telehealth. For the purpose of this class we are distinguishing between Telehealth and mHealth. In telehealth we are focused on direct-to-consumer telehealth in which a patient has access to a provider via telephone or videoconferencing (not remote monitoring such as fitbit or the Internet of Medical Things—that is Module 6). The Covid-19 pandemic has changed telehealth and reimbursement for telehealth activities dramatically. Research indicates that telehealth is expanding access to care but not lowering costs. Is that result surprising? Do you think that will change over time and telehealth reduce costs?) What type of care is telehealth appropriate for? Do you think telehealth will have an impact upon future nursing job activities?

Answer 1

WHAT TYPE OF CARE IS TELEHEALTH APPROPRIATE FOR

Tele health services are provided via telecommunications means, or videoconferencing, for patients who cannot directly access medical care. In the present pandemic, COVID 19, tele health became more important to provide care to people. As there were many restrictions and modifications happened in the whole world health care system, telehealth provided comfort and safety to people.  

Telehealth is appropriate for:

Contact between long distance patient and nurse/ clinician

In such cases, Care, advise, reminders, health education, physical parameters monitoring can be done. Also Laboratory findings can be interpreted.

Where there is lack of transportation / mobility.

Restricted mobility to patient/ nurse/ clinician

Restricted access to direct health care

Distance learning, health care conferences, meetings, supervision and presentations between professionals

Physical therapy via digital monitoring instruments

Home care monitoring.

In this pandemic, the role of telehealth has utmost importance in the provision of timely health care, which made the clients safe and comfort

IMPACT OF TELEHEALTH ON FUTURE NURSING JOB ACTIVITIES

The nursing job doesnt include direct patient care alone. Along with that, many other roles such as educator, counsellor, client advocate, collaborator, supervisor, are possessed by a nurse in their day to day life

Telenursing can be used to handle these roles effectively, along with direct patient care.

Telenursing assures faster communication between client and nurse, as well as between teammates.

It provides faster lab results

Counselling can be provided via telecommunication means

Patients in Remote areas can be accessed easily

In case of any health condition that warrants, restricted mobility of patients, nursing care can be provided via telenursing until and unless an emergency arises

Nurses workload can be reduced

Shortage of health workers can be rectified by offering them home based services