The future of telehealth is uncertain. Are you ready to adapt?

1 What is telehealth?

Telehealth is the use of technology to deliver health care services and information across distances. It can include phone calls, video consultations, online chats, mobile apps, remote monitoring, and more. Telehealth can improve access, quality, and efficiency of care, especially for rural, underserved, or vulnerable populations. It can also reduce costs, travel time, and exposure to infections. Telehealth is not a new concept, but it has gained popularity and acceptance during the pandemic, as many health care providers and patients switched to virtual modes of communication.

2 What are the benefits of telehealth for nurses?

Telehealth can provide a range of advantages for nurses, both professionally and personally. Through telehealth, nurses can expand their scope of practice, enhance their skills and knowledge, gain autonomy and flexibility, and improve their satisfaction and well-being. Telehealth allows them to reach more patients who may not have access to traditional care settings, while also exposing them to different cases, scenarios, and technologies. Additionally, telehealth can give nurses more control over their schedule, workload, and location, leading to reduced stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue.

3 What are the challenges of telehealth for nurses?

Telehealth can pose some challenges for nurses, both technically and ethically. Nurses may need additional training and education to understand the technical aspects of telehealth, such as using software, hardware, and devices, ensuring privacy and security, and troubleshooting issues. Moreover, telehealth can affect the quality and continuity of care by creating communication barriers, especially for complex or sensitive cases. Additionally, ethical and legal questions may arise concerning scope of practice, licensure, liability, consent, and reimbursement – particularly when crossing state or national borders. Finally, role ambiguity and conflict can be created by blurring the boundaries between nurses and other health care professionals.

4 How can you prepare for the future of telehealth?

The future of telehealth is uncertain, as it relies on many factors like public health policies, consumer preferences, technological innovations, and market forces. To prepare for the possible scenarios and opportunities that telehealth may bring, you should stay updated on the latest trends, developments, and regulations related to telehealth in your field. Additionally, seek out training and education opportunities to bolster your telehealth competencies and credentials. Networking and collaborating with other nurses and health care professionals who are involved or interested in telehealth can also be beneficial. Lastly, evaluate and adapt your practice and policies to meet the needs and expectations of your patients and employers in terms of telehealth services and quality standards.

5 How can you balance telehealth and traditional care?

Telehealth is not a replacement for traditional care, but an addition to it. It is important to assess the appropriateness and feasibility of telehealth for each patient and case, based on their condition, preferences, and resources. Clear and effective communication with patients and colleagues about the benefits, risks, and expectations of telehealth should be established, as well as obtaining informed consent and feedback. Additionally, a patient-centered and holistic approach should be taken when using telehealth to address physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of care. Professional standards and ethics should also be maintained when using telehealth and following the guidelines and best practices of your organization and profession. Telehealth is an evolving field that offers nurses opportunities to enhance their practice and career. Are you ready to adjust to the future of telehealth?

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?