Are you looking to join nurses in telehealth? Telehealth has emerged due to the infiltration of technology in the medical sector. It involves the delivery of health-related services through telecommunication technologies. Currently, physical in-person attendance can occur when necessary or convenient, otherwise, telehealth services are an effective alternative to traditional hospital consultations.
Nurses play an integral role in providing healthcare services. Their roles are more effective now than ever with the rise of telemedicine and telehealth services. In the United States, for instance, 49% of the 161,865 emergency nurses confirm that they offer telehealth services in the workplace.
With nursing made easier than ever, their roles in the digital space are still necessary. In this regard, they are trained to provide health services efficiently using technology. Their roles include the following:
Nureses in Telehealth Roles in Provision of Patient Education
Nurses are now able to support their patients from a distance thanks to telehealth services. They offer education on a variety of issues regarding the welfare of the ill. This education can be beneficial for a caretaker in charge of a sickly patient. The nurse simply has to give instructions on prescribed medicine and or lifestyle adjustments to be followed.
Additionally, education on the usage of self-measurement devices in the case of diabetic and high blood pressure patients is guided step by step. This ensures that the patient fully understands their routine using the devices made to help monitor their blood sugar and blood pressure respectively. Furthermore, any risks with devices can be explicitly explained in this one-on-one approach.
Perform Patient Assessments.
Some health assessments can be done over a video conference, provided all the materials are available. The nurse can follow through with the patient and conduct a full assessment. Moreover, the patient is free to provide insight on any notable changes in their status, which helps the nurse pinpoint the advancement of their status. In some cases, it can be as simple as answering a few questions following the effect of dosage on the body. These assessments can be scheduled at one’s convenience making them more preferred, especially for people on the move.
Provide Health Services in Remote Areas
Health service provision in inaccessible areas can prove to be challenging. This is being eradicated by making health services accessible digitally. Nurses are able to conduct Remote Patient Monitoring, which involves the collection of data outside the hospital. This way the patient can keep their health in check while cutting on costs and preventing readmission to hospital.
Many challenges come with the remoteness of a region, for example, inaccessibility to the Internet, few health infrastructures, and health personnel. According to a study by (the American Nurses Association) ANA, 20% of Americans living in rural areas lack access to health facilities. Telehealth has come a long way in ensuring the inclusivity of the population living in this situation. Health Recovery Solutions is one of the many companies missioned to eradicate hindrances of health services in rural areas.
The telehealth industry is a booming venture. With advancements in technology, more nurses in telehealth will be brought on board to deliver their expertise to the people. That being said, we can look forward to a bright future where telehealth is available to all.
