NURSING-537 Aspen University – In a review of your area of nursing practice identify one area where telehealth could be utilized
QUESTION
In a review of your area of nursing practice identify one area where telehealth could be utilized. Create a proposal for its implementation identifying both the advantages and disadvantages to the healthcare consumer.
ANSWER
Telehealth Implementation in Nursing Practice: Enhancing Patient Care in Chronic Disease Management
Introduction
In recent years, telehealth has emerged as a transformative tool in healthcare delivery, leveraging technology to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers. As a nurse, one area where telehealth can significantly enhance patient care is in chronic disease management. This proposal aims to explore the advantages and disadvantages of implementing telehealth in chronic disease management, offering a comprehensive assessment of its potential impact on healthcare consumers.
Advantages of Telehealth in Chronic Disease Management
Improved Access to Care: Telehealth eliminates geographical barriers and allows patients in remote areas or those with limited mobility to access specialized care (Haleem et al., 2021). By leveraging video consultations and remote monitoring, healthcare professionals can provide timely interventions, offer education, and address patient concerns, resulting in improved health outcomes.
Enhanced Patient Engagement: Telehealth promotes patient engagement by enabling convenient and frequent communication between patients and healthcare providers. Patients can actively participate in managing their chronic conditions through self-monitoring tools, accessing educational resources, and engaging in virtual support groups. This increased engagement empowers patients, leading to better adherence to treatment plans and lifestyle modifications.
Timely Intervention and Preventive Care: Through telehealth, healthcare providers can remotely monitor patients’ vital signs, assess symptoms, and identify potential complications early on. This proactive approach enables timely intervention, preventing unnecessary emergency department visits or hospitalizations. Regular virtual check-ins facilitate ongoing monitoring and allow healthcare providers to offer preventive care strategies tailored to the individual patient’s needs.
Cost-Effective Solution: Telehealth can be a cost-effective alternative for both healthcare providers and consumers. By reducing the need for in-person visits, it minimizes transportation costs, eliminates waiting room time, and reduces the overall healthcare expenses for patients. Additionally, telehealth can prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions, resulting in cost savings for healthcare systems.
Disadvantages of Telehealth in Chronic Disease Management
Technical Barriers and Accessibility: Telehealth implementation requires a reliable internet connection and access to appropriate technological devices. However, some patients, particularly older adults or those in low-income communities, may face challenges in accessing and effectively utilizing telehealth services (Gajarawala & Pelkowski, 2021). Adequate support and resources must be provided to overcome these barriers and ensure equitable access to care.
Potential for Limited Physical Examination: While telehealth consultations can provide valuable insights into a patient’s condition, they cannot replace the benefits of a physical examination. Certain aspects of chronic disease management, such as assessing wound healing or performing intricate procedures, may still require in-person visits (Imlach et al., 2020). Telehealth should be used as a complementary tool to in-person care, striking a balance between convenience and comprehensive assessment.
Privacy and Security Concerns: With the transmission of sensitive medical information over electronic platforms, privacy and security become crucial considerations. Healthcare providers must adhere to strict data protection protocols and utilize secure telehealth platforms to safeguard patient confidentiality. Ensuring encryption, secure data storage, and HIPAA compliance can mitigate these concerns and build trust among healthcare consumers.
Conclusion
Telehealth implementation in chronic disease management has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers. Improved access to care, enhanced patient engagement, timely interventions, and cost-effectiveness are among the notable advantages. However, challenges related to technical barriers, limited physical examination, and privacy concerns must be addressed to maximize the benefits and ensure equitable access to telehealth services. By embracing telehealth while maintaining a patient-centered approach, nursing professionals can harness the power of technology to optimize chronic disease management and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
References
Gajarawala, S. N., & Pelkowski, J. N. (2021). Telehealth Benefits and Barriers. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 17(2), 218–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.09.013
Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Singh, R. P., & Suman, R. (2021). Telemedicine for healthcare: Capabilities, features, barriers, and applications. Sensors International, 2, 100117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sintl.2021.100117
Imlach, F., McKinlay, E., Middleton, L., Kennedy, J., Pledger, M., Russell, L., Churchward, M., Cumming, J., & McBride-Henry, K. (2020). Telehealth consultations in general practice during a pandemic lockdown: survey and interviews on patient experiences and preferences. BMC Family Practice, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-020-01336-1
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