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Telehealth nursing is a method of delivering care remotely using technology, including mobile devices, tablets, and computers. Sophisticated telehealth encompasses more than digital appointment reminders and confirmations — it is a way to offer real healthcare assistance and support from a distance. While a nurse’s role in telehealth varies depending on position, it’s similar to the role the nurse plays during in-person visits — providing patients with care, education, and counselling during times of need. The basic definition of telehealth nursing is straightforward, yet the practice has evolved significantly over time. Traditionally conducted solely within the realms of independent entities, telehealth nursing has blossomed into an extension of many healthcare plans, hospitals, and clinics over the last 20 years.

 

Telehealth nursing is often an integral part of large acute care institutions, serving as an intermediary step in which nurses assess a patient’s condition and determine if an in-person visit is necessary. Healthcare professionals may also use remote nursing sessions to diagnose lower-risk conditions, outline treatment options, educate patients about self-care at home, and more.

 

How It Benefits?

 

Telehealth is very beneficial for patients who are located in remote areas. Why they benefit more from telehealth services? Because healthcare professionals make use of the internet to easily access and share medical information. Even they can easily monitor the health conditions of the patients via conferencing devices, store-and-forward imaging, and streaming media. There are many benefits of telehealth, one of the main reasons being that it can better connect patients to their providers. This can improve both the care provided and the overall health of patients. By providing a new form of access and service, this benefits communities as a whole.

 

The Different Forms of Telehealth

 

• Live video is a two-way interaction between a patient and a healthcare provider using audiovisual telecommunications technology.

• Mobile health is a relatively new aspect of technology-enabled health care. It is the provision of health care services and personal health data via mobile devices, such as cell phones, tablet computers, and PDAs.

• Remote patient monitoring (RPM) uses digital technology tools to collect medical information from an individual patient in one particular location and electronically transmit that information to health care providers in a different location in a secure manner for assessment and recommendations.

 

Telehealth Is Here to Stay:

 

Patients can easily make appointments online, refill prescriptions, and consult with experienced providers without leaving their homes. As the virus lingers in various communities, more patients will likely take advantage of these services in the months and years to come. We may see more patients accessing care closer to home rather than visiting their local emergency room. Patients may also be more selective in terms of where they go for medical care, thanks to the flexibility of telehealth.

 

Do Telehealth Nurses Work From Home?

 

Whether or not a telehealth nurse works from home depends on the nature of the work and the employer. While some telehealth nurses provide remote support alongside a team of telehealth professionals within a hospital, clinic, or corporate environment, many others conduct their work from home. These at-home nurses typically operate as an extension of a healthcare corporation or institution, handling triage, processing insurance claims, and managing disability cases. The ability to work from home and have more flexible hours appeals to new and seasoned nurses seeking a better work-life balance. Unlike traditional onsite nurses, telehealth nurses who work from home can maintain their positions from anywhere. As long as they have a strong, reliable internet connection, their jobs are largely secure.