Understanding Telemedicine Within Nursing Homes
The Basics of Telemedicine
Telemedicine services provide patients a convenient way to access healthcare through live video calls or online chat messaging. Telemedicine services do not completely replace traditional, in-person visits. Rather, it’s best used in tandem, offering virtual care to supplement in-person appointments.
Telemedicine is a useful resource for patients who are looking to:
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Consult with a doctor to determine if an in-person appointment is needed
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Speak with a therapist or other mental health professional from the comfort of home
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Refill or request prescriptions
Telemedicine in the Context of Nursing Homes
Nursing home residents are part of a key demographic for telemedicine use – elderly patients who experience barriers to in-person appointments. These barriers can include poor health conditions, access to public transportation, and proximity to specialist physicians.
Remote patient monitoring also plays a significant role in the ongoing care of elderly patients. As many residents in nursing homes can have pre-existing health conditions, using remote patient monitoring devices can alert the nursing home healthcare professionals of any concerning changes to their vital signs.
Technological Innovations that Power Telemedicine
As technology continues to advance, telemedicine use cases will continue to expand. For example, the Internet of Things (IoT) technology has found its use in medical facilities to monitor patient health, track healthcare staff and patients, and manage medical equipment.
Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly advanced over the past few years. A relevant example of AI in healthcare improving outcomes for elderly patients is its application in remote patient monitoring. AI can look at the data gathered with an IoT medical device to spot patterns and concerning health conditions.
Reasons to Incorporate Telemedicine in Nursing Homes
Addressing Health Concerns in Real Time
Telemedicine can be used for identifying critical factors, such as blood sugar, heart conditions, and dangerous blood pressure levels. This can be accomplished by using IoT devices to track health data and connect them to a telemedicine app, allowing patients and providers to review health data and send notifications when certain thresholds are met.
This can allow health professionals in a skilled nursing facility to quickly address health conditions as soon as an alert is sent. With medical professionals on site, term care facilities are equipped to address health concerns and quickly identify when escalation to the emergency department is necessary.
Improving Accessibility for Remote Nurses and Physicians
Remote nurses and general practitioners also benefit from the rise of telemedicine services. The improved access to care doesn’t just apply to patients, as many health professionals have found work supporting nursing home residents in remote settings. This is especially beneficial for general and nurse practitioners who live in remote areas and don’t have many local job offerings.
Enhancing Resident Comfort and Satisfaction
While the primary focus of telemedicine is on physical health, telemedicine has expanded the mental health services available to patients. There are a number of barriers patients in skilled nursing facilities experience, including health insurance coverage, transportation, and conflicts with medical appointments.
With remote services, patients can meet with mental health professionals and receive care that can improve their quality of life and adjust to the change in living circumstances.
Financial Benefits of Telemedicine in Nursing Homes
When healthcare providers can meet with patients in remote settings, it comes with a number of financial benefits. A significant benefit is having access to an expanded patient pool, as patients in rural nursing homes might not have in-network providers near them. This is especially relevant for professionals who provide specialty consults, as most rural communities don’t have the same access as urban nursing homes.
Challenges and Solutions in Implementing Telemedicine In Nursing Homes
Overcoming Technological Barriers in Nursing Homes
Utilizing telemedicine requires understanding and having access to advanced technology, which can both be barriers for nursing homes. Nursing home residents are likely less tech-savvy and could have more reservations about receiving health care through a telemedicine service. Offering training services for patients to understand the process of attending telemedicine appointments and explaining how they will enhance their current care pathway can help elderly patients adjust.
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance
In the healthcare industry, facilities and professionals are required to adhere to regulatory compliance laws in their area. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requires organizations to protect sensitive patient and organizational data and are only allowed to disclose this information when the patient consents. When it comes to using telemedicine in a nursing home, the software must adhere to HIPAA guidelines and protect patient data through security measures.
Enhancing Staff Training and Residents’ Familiarity with Technology
A crucial aspect of ensuring the effective use of a telemedicine application by nursing home residents and healthcare professionals is extensive training sessions and materials. For nursing home staff, offering multiple in-person training sessions to address any concerns or questions they may have about the application or its use. Also, offering a training manual walking through common workflows will reduce the complications staff experience when using the telemedicine app.
Taking a similar approach with the nursing home residents will also prepare the residents to use the telemedicine app and feel confident when it comes time for their first appointment.
The Future of Telemedicine in Nursing Homes
Predicted Telemedicine Advancements and their Impact on Senior Care
As more elderly patients adjust to the advancing healthcare technology, their access to care will substantially increase. With more access to general and specialty care that is covered by their health insurance, senior will have improved patient outcomes and live an overall higher-quality life.
Evaluating the Sustainability of Telemedicine
Telemedicine use skyrocketed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as patients were encouraged to stay at home whenever possible. During this time, many patients adjust to telehealth utilization and will prefer these services based on the care required.
For example, patients might seek out telemedicine for mental health services or prescription refills once it is made available. As nursing home residents adjust to these services, they will adopt telemedicine in the long term.
Addressing Future Challenges with Telemedicine in Nursing Homes
Some of the current challenges for telemedicine adoption in nursing homes will evolve as technology continues to advance. Replacing current technology with new, advanced technology is expensive, and many nursing homes cannot spare that type of expense when the current telemedicine technology is still effective. Additionally, training staff and residents on new technology and services could be a continuous struggle as telemedicine advances.
Work With Geneca Today
At Geneca, we have over 25 years of experience in custom software development and practice transparent project management, allowing the client to be well-informed at every step. By partnering with us, you can access a team of developers and analysts with experience in the healthcare industry.
If you’re ready to get started on your nursing home telemedicine platform, reach out to Geneca today for a commitment-free consultation!