Health IT Topic: Telehealth Impact on Healthcare

 AMIE SEITZ NR512: Fundamentals of Nursing Informatics October 2017



Introduction

 	
What is Telehealth? Telehealth is the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access healthcare services remotely and manage healthcare.
 	
What is the Role of the Nurse Practitioner in Telehealth? Nurse Practitioners (NPs) play a critical role in telehealth by providing remote patient consultations, monitoring patient health data, offering follow-up care, and delivering education and support to patients, all through digital platforms.




Why I Chose This Topic

 	
Telehealth is the Future of Nurse Practitioner Practice: Telehealth represents a significant shift in how healthcare is delivered, offering new opportunities for NPs to reach patients and improve healthcare outcomes.
 	
Increased Access to Care: Telehealth can break down geographic barriers, making it easier for patients, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, to access healthcare services.
 	
Integration of Emerging Technology to Increase Patient Outcomes: By leveraging technology, NPs can enhance the quality of care, monitor patients more effectively, and tailor interventions to improve patient outcomes.




Impact on Practice

 	
Cost-Effective Alternative: Telehealth offers a more affordable option for both healthcare providers and patients, reducing the need for in-person visits and associated costs.
 	
Accessibility: It makes medical services more attainable for everyone, especially those in rural areas where healthcare services are difficult to access.
 	
Flexibility: Telehealth provides both healthcare providers and patients with greater flexibility in scheduling and delivering care.
 	
Real-Time Information: NPs can access and utilize real-time data to make informed decisions quickly, improving patient care.
 	
Increased Need for Education: The rise of telehealth has led to a growing need for education among healthcare providers and patients to ensure they are comfortable and proficient with telehealth technologies.




Pros

 	
Reduces Barriers to Access to Care: Telehealth eliminates geographic and logistical barriers, making it easier for patients to receive care.
 	
Cost-Savings: Telehealth can reduce healthcare costs by minimizing the need for in-person visits and hospital admissions.
 	
Improves Quality of Care: By providing timely and continuous care, telehealth can enhance the overall quality of care that patients receive.
 	
Increases Efficiency for Providers: Telehealth allows NPs to manage their time more effectively, often seeing more patients in a day than they could with in-person visits.
 	
Real-Time Information: The ability to access real-time health data enables NPs to provide more accurate and timely care.
 	
Increase in Education: Telehealth fosters an environment where both patients and providers can expand their knowledge and skills regarding new technologies and healthcare practices.




Cons

 	
Missed Social Cues: The absence of physical presence may result in missed non-verbal cues that are crucial for understanding a patient’s condition.
 	
Reimbursement and Cost of Telecommunication: Reimbursement for telehealth services can be inconsistent, and the cost of telecommunication infrastructure can be high.
 	
Local Laws and Policies: Telehealth is subject to varying laws and regulations, which can complicate its implementation and use.
 	
Patient Readiness: Not all patients are ready or willing to embrace telehealth, which may limit its effectiveness.
 	
Provider Understanding: Some healthcare providers may lack the necessary understanding or training to use telehealth effectively, which can hinder its adoption and success.