What is Telehealth Nursing?
Telehealth nursing is when nursing care is provided through telemedicine applications with mobile devices or computers. Telehealth has evolved from simple digital appointment notifications to providing dedicated healthcare services virtually. Telehealth nurses work a similar role as in-person appointments by providing patient care, counseling, and professional health-related education.
Telehealth allows healthcare providers to meet with patients remotely, typically online, through a mobile device or computer. Telehealth services can be provided in multiple ways, such as:
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Speaking with healthcare providers live through a phone or video call
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Messaging with a provider using secure messages and email
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Remote patient monitoring, allowing a provider to check vital signs from home
Nurses are typically a patient’s first point of contact for health care. They often educate patients on conditions and treatments while monitoring patients’ health. Telehealth nursing services used with daily operations can provide nurses with valuable tools that allow them to expand healthcare access and improve patient care.
Why is Telehealth Nursing Important?
Telehealth can change and support the nursing profession in multiple ways. It’s a valuable tool for patients that manage chronic conditions, allowing nurses to help more patients. By offering telehealth nursing services, healthcare costs can also be cut down by reducing the number of ER visits and patient admissions.
In recent studies done by the American Hospital Association, telehealth nursing care is becoming increasingly important to patients. The study also found that 76% of patients prioritize access to healthcare over the need for in-person interaction with providers, and 70% of patients are comfortable communicating with providers through telehealth platforms. The potential impact that will benefit nurses the most is the support telehealth nurses can provide during a national nursing shortage, improving nurses’ utilization and working conditions.
Check: Telehealth App Development
Adoption of Telehealth and Nursing
The popularity and use of telehealth services recently increased due to the COVID-19 virus, as there was a significant push to integrate telehealth technology into medical care for public health. Since telehealth provides a wide range of benefits that can be used remotely and in a facility, it’s unlikely providers will ever roll back telehealth services. Especially when considering how telehealth can reduce healthcare costs, expand public access to care, and improve how nurses monitor patients.
Common Types of Telehealth Nursing
Telehealth nursing can be applied in multiple ways depending on the care required for the patient, including the medical specialty and facility providing care. Two common forms of telehealth nursing are:
Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote patient monitoring allows healthcare professionals to monitor patients remotely using electronic devices and telecommunication software. This monitoring primarily focuses on vital signs, including blood glucose, blood pressure, heart rate, etc. This technology is helpful for patients with chronic conditions, so they don’t have to travel for treatment.
Check: Telemedicine In Rural Areas Guide
Live Video Conferencing
Live video conferencing is a standard form of telehealth nursing practice, as nurses can talk with patients in real time. These video chats are similar to Skype or Zoom calls, but are usually held on secure telehealth platforms. With video conferencing, nurses can perform consultations for chronic and acute care needs, provide follow-up care to procedures or operations, and use communication skills to explain procedures to patients.
The Role of Telehealth in the Future of Nursing
Despite the challenges of telehealth care, when considering the benefits and advancing technology, it’s clear that telehealth nursing has a bright future. This shift also provides new job opportunities in the medical field, benefiting current and aspiring nurses.
In fact, the American Telemedicine Association anticipates that by 2030, more than 50% of healthcare services will be virtual. Given this expected industry-wide adoption of telehealth technologies, now is the time for medical organizations to start incorporating telehealth technology into their business operations.
Other Related Articles:
Telemedicine in Pediatrics Guide
Telehealth Technology Examples
Learn More with Geneca
By partnering with Geneca, you can have access to a team of developers and analysts with an extensive understanding and experience with the healthcare industry. If you’re ready to bring telehealth nursing to your business, reach out to Geneca today for a commitment-free consultation!