TELEHEALTH IN RURAL AND REMOTE AREAS
DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS OF TELEHEALTH
Telehealth is defined as the use of digital information and communication systems to access health care services and manage health care remotely. It also involves the distribution of patient information via electronic communication to improve patient health status. Telehealth is characterized by improved access to health care in rural and isolated communities and also communication among healthcare providers. Telehealth also ensures the availability and convenience of services to people with limited mobility, time or transport options. It provides support for self-management health care and access to medical specialists.
The use of telehealth interventions in nursing practice has improved patient daily living and enhanced the quality of life. It emphasizes patient safety as it promotes independence and a sense of security to both the patient and caregivers due to daily monitoring. People in remote areas can access health care despite lacking transport and due to immobility. This because telecommunication has made interaction between the nurse easy and delivery of health services readily available to all health-seeking individuals. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
INTEGRATING TELEHEALTH IN HEALTHCARE
Technology has been integrated into different aspects of the health care delivery statement. There is the use of electronic coding systems and informatics in the documentation of patient data and processing medical bills. Telephones are also used to consult with different departments to ensure that patients receive safe and quality health services. The same outcomes have been obtained due to the integration of telehealth in remote and rural areas, which has enabled people to access health care services without necessarily travelling and making appointments.
The establishment of a telehealth network in rural areas has supported patient care and provider needs for continuing education. Physicians can access information relating to current evidence-based practices in the management of chronic diseases. Through remote monitoring, also called self-monitoring, medical professionals can remotely monitor patients using technological devices primarily in managing chronic conditions.it provides comparable health outcomes as direct encounters, patient satisfaction and are cost-effective. Real-time interactive initiatives through telecommunication consultations have facilitated interactions between patients and providers.
EVIDENCE-BASED STRATEGIES IN IMPLEMENTING TELEHEALTH
I recommend the use of mobile health and telecare, whereby the health providers and public health units can communicate with patients and deliver care at the comfort of their homes. Mobile health involves using mobile devices in the provision of health-related information such as general education, notifications, and communicating through health applications. Mobile health can also be used in remote monitoring where personal and medical data are collected from the patient at home. Telecare involves remotely monitoring the elderly and disabled people. People in this community are unable to access health services due to the cost of transport, immobility due to chronic illnesses, and also inaccessibility of health facilities; hence this strategy is effective. According to WHO, there is a remarkable improvement of heath in American rural states after the implementation of mobile telehealth strategy.
References
Gray, L. C., Edirippulige, S., Smith, A. C., Beattie, E., Theodoros, D., Russell, T., & Martin-Khan, M. (2012). Telehealth for nursing homes: The utilization of specialist services for residential care. Journal of telemedicine and telecare, 18(3), 142-146.J
arvis-Selinger, S., Chan, E., Payne, R., Plohman, K., & Ho, K. (2008). Clinical telehealth across the disciplines: lessons learned. Telemedicine and e-Health, 14(7), 720-725.
Jenkins, R. L., & White, P. (2001). Telehealth advancing nursing practice. Nursing Outlook, 49(2), 100-105.