Question

Identify 2 ways telehealth can impact the delivery of health care and how the RN is involved in the process.

Answer 1

Telehealth uses communication technology and digital information to approach and assist with clinical healthcare services provided remotely, including providing education, administrative functions, and conducting peer meetings.

The most commonly benefitted group are the patients, as they can consult their physicians over virtual consultation/ video conferences and avoid the difficulties faced by transportation. Telehealth can be done in any place where the technology is available.

Nurses can make use of the technology and engage in assessment of the patient over the phone and help the patient decide if they require an appointment with the doctor, seek medical emergency, or if they can be treated at home.

In non-emergency situations, the nurses can guide the patient on self-care which includes the monitoring of blood pressure and blood glucose, oxygen levels and respiration, and wound dressing or treating minor injuries.

The RN can provide online therapy and counselling for patients with behavioral issues, patients with a long term treatment and geriatric patients thereby maintaining an effective patient care.