NR 529 Module 5 Assignment_Information Technology and Telehealth

Introduction As we enter a time where we have a nursing shortage and increase technological capabilities, it only seems rational to take advantage of those advances. The implementation of technology can improve communication, collaboration, and coordination of care (Mckay & Vanaskie, 2018). Telehealth is used to describe telecommunication in the healthcare field. Telehealth can be telephone triage, real-time virtual visits, remote patient monitoring, audio conferencing, and messaging through a patient portal (Steingass & Maloney-Newton, 2020). Access to care is a problem for many in rural areas. Many must have the time and finances to travel long distances. Advances in telehealth can bridge that gap for those patients who may put off seeing the doctor due to the time and financial strain. Clinical Issue One problem noted in the clinical area is many patients must travel exceptionally long distances to see a specialist. Some patients do not have reliable transportation to travel long distances, others do not have the financial means or the time off work to do so. These patients are more likely to prolong the care needed due to the strain. In neurosurgery or neuro-oncology that could be the difference between life and death if the patient has a brain tumor. One study found that patients would travel 340, 000 miles, spend 4,800 hours, and 333, 000 in travel costs for oncological care (Rowett & Christensen, 2020). Proposed Solution The Proposed solution to the clinical issue is the integration of telehealth capabilities, especially a virtual visit option. A virtual visit is a video connection via electronic platforms such The joint commission’s quick safety issue 55 on 10/07/2020, addressed the safe use of telehealth regarding patient care. The guidance suggests keeping health information protected by use of a secure platform. The guidance also suggests awareness of the scope of practice for the person conducting the visit as well as determining which diagnoses or symptoms can be managed virtually. For this situation, the RN, APP, or MD are the correct scope to perform virtual visits for consults or symptom management. This organization holds patient privacy at utmost importance and has a specific portal with IT management for security. Conclusion The use of technology in healthcare can improve communication, collaboration, and coordination of care. The implementation of telehealth in the neurosurgery and neuro-oncology clinic setting is a way to address a barrier of care by making care accessible from home. Virtual visits can be used for consultations, symptom management, education, and interprofessional care. The nurse leader is in a unique position to spearhead the use of technology in the clinic and use her decision-making skills to train staff and assign the right team to do so. The use of tele visits can provide the patient with comfort knowing they can attain the care needed quickly without the financial and psychological strain.