Telehealth is chosen Information technology assess the impact of your chosen information technology and management strategy in two parts. First, you will consider the effects the strategy has on the practice of professional nursing. Second, you will assess the impact of your strategy on promoting patient safety.
QUESTION
Telehealth is chosen Information technology assess the impact of your chosen information technology and management strategy in two parts. First, you will consider the effects the strategy has on the practice of professional nursing. Second, you will assess the impact of your strategy on promoting patient safety. Your submission for these two parts must address the following elements:
Part I:
A. Assess the impact of your chosen topic on the practice of professional nursing. In other words, what effect will use of your chosen topic have on nursing practice in general? Be sure to substantiate your claims with research and examples.
B. Explain the implications of your chosen topic for vulnerable populations with regard to professional nursing practice.
C. Discuss the implications of practicing professional nursing in a healthcare setting that already employs your chosen topic. For example, does it improve
patient safety and/or quality outcomes in that healthcare setting? What effect would your chosen topic have on your nursing practice in that specific setting? Be sure to substantiate your claims with specific scholarly evidence.
Part II:
A. Summarize the evidence you reviewed that discusses the role your chosen topic plays in promoting patient safety and quality outcomes.
B. Identify specific patient or quality outcomes from the literature you reviewed regarding the use of your chosen topic.
C. Assess the extent to which patient outcomes are, or could be, improved through the use of your chosen topic. Be sure to substantiate your claims with
research and examples.
Guidelines for Submission: Your assessment of the impact should be 2–4 pages in length. Formatting should be 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, and one-inch margins. References and in-text citations should use proper APA formatting.
ANSWER
The Impact of Telehealth on Professional Nursing Practice and Patient Safety
Introduction
In recent years, telehealth has emerged as a significant information technology tool in healthcare, revolutionizing the way healthcare services are delivered. This essay assesses the impact of telehealth on professional nursing practice and patient safety. Part I examines the effects of telehealth on nursing practice, focusing on its implications for vulnerable populations and its impact on healthcare settings. Part II summarizes the evidence regarding the role of telehealth in promoting patient safety and quality outcomes, and assesses the potential for improving patient outcomes through its use.
Part I
Impact on the Practice of Professional Nursing
Telehealth has a profound effect on the practice of professional nursing. It enables nurses to deliver care remotely, expanding their reach and enhancing accessibility for patients. Research has shown that telehealth interventions, such as remote patient monitoring and virtual consultations, improve patient outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and enhance patient satisfaction (Smith et al., 2019). By incorporating telehealth into their practice, nurses can extend their expertise to a broader population, promoting continuity of care and improving overall healthcare delivery.
Implications for Vulnerable Populations
Telehealth holds significant implications for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, rural communities, and individuals with limited access to healthcare services. These populations often face barriers such as geographical distance, transportation challenges, and socioeconomic disparities, which hinder their access to quality healthcare. Telehealth bridges these gaps by providing remote consultations, telemonitoring, and telemedicine services. By embracing telehealth, professional nurses can ensure equitable access to care, particularly for those who are marginalized or disadvantaged.
Implications in Healthcare Settings
Implementing telehealth in healthcare settings has demonstrated positive effects on patient safety and quality outcomes. For instance, in hospitals that employ telehealth solutions, the timely exchange of patient information between healthcare providers becomes more efficient, reducing medication errors and improving care coordination (Kuo et al., 2020). Furthermore, remote monitoring of patients’ vital signs and real-time communication with nurses through telehealth platforms enable early detection of deteriorating conditions and prompt interventions, contributing to enhanced patient safety and improved outcomes. Integrating telehealth into nursing practice within healthcare settings leads to streamlined workflows, improved communication, and increased efficiency in care delivery.
Part II
Role of Telehealth in Promoting Patient Safety and Quality Outcomes
Numerous studies highlight the role of telehealth in promoting patient safety and quality outcomes. Telehealth interventions, such as video consultations and remote monitoring, facilitate early detection of complications, reduce adverse events, and minimize healthcare-associated infections (Wade et al., 2021). By providing timely access to healthcare professionals, telehealth mitigates the risks associated with delayed care, enhances patient-provider communication, and improves patient satisfaction. Additionally, telehealth interventions have been associated with reduced hospital readmissions and improved chronic disease management, leading to better overall patient outcomes.
Specific Patient and Quality Outcomes
The literature reveals specific patient and quality outcomes associated with the use of telehealth. For instance, telehealth has been shown to increase patient engagement in self-care management, improve medication adherence, and enhance patient education and empowerment (Bradley et al., 2019). Studies have also demonstrated reductions in emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and healthcare costs through the implementation of telehealth interventions. Moreover, telehealth has been found to improve access to mental health services, particularly for individuals residing in underserved areas, leading to better mental health outcomes.
Potential for Improved Patient Outcomes
The use of telehealth presents significant potential for improving patient outcomes. By providing remote monitoring and virtual consultations, telehealth enables proactive and preventive care, reducing the likelihood of adverse events and complications. Through continuous monitoring and timely interventions, telehealth supports early detection of health deterioration, facilitating prompt treatment and reducing healthcare disparities. Moreover, telehealth empowers patients to actively participate in their care, fostering self-management and adherence to treatment plans, which ultimately contributes to better patient outcomes.
Conclusion
Telehealth has a transformative impact on professional nursing practice and patient safety. Its implementation expands the reach of nursing services, particularly benefiting vulnerable populations. Telehealth integration in healthcare settings improves patient safety, care coordination, and overall quality outcomes. Through its role in promoting patient safety and enhancing healthcare delivery, telehealth shows immense potential for improving patient outcomes and empowering individuals to take an active role in their own healthcare. As telehealth continues to advance, it is crucial for nurses to embrace and leverage this technology to optimize patient care and contribute to a more accessible and effective healthcare system.
