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This assignment requires summarizing an article and discussing an emerging technology within healthcare, particularly in nursing practice. The assignment includes identifying the technology, providing examples of its use, addressing ethical, legal, and safety issues, and discussing mitigating strategies for those issues. Lastly, a reflection on the technology's applicability and its potential benefits in advanced nursing practice is necessary.

Article Summary

The article under review discusses the emergence of telehealth technologies as a transformative solution in nursing and healthcare delivery. Telehealth encompasses the use of digital information and communication technologies to access health care services remotely, playing a crucial role in improving patient access to care, especially in underserved areas. This technology has gained particular traction due to its ability to bridge gaps in healthcare caused by geographic, financial, or social barriers. The article provides several case studies illustrating the effectiveness of telehealth in managing chronic illnesses, providing timely consultations, and enhancing patient engagement in their healthcare management.

Emerging Technology

Telehealth is the emerging technology outlined in the article. It encompasses various services such as virtual visits, remote monitoring, and mobile health applications, which facilitate healthcare delivery without the need for in-person visits. According to the American Telemedicine Association (ATA, 2023), telehealth is defined as the use of telecommunication technologies to support long-distance clinical healthcare, patient and professional health-related education, public health, and health administration. The integration of telehealth in nursing practices has created new paradigms for patient evaluation, monitoring, and management.

Intended Area of Practice

My intended area of practice as an advanced practice nurse is in family nursing. This specialty encompasses providing comprehensive care to patients across their lifespan, focusing on prevention, wellness, and chronic disease management. In this context, telehealth holds particular promise as it offers the ability to monitor patients with chronic illnesses, engage with families in health education, and provide timely interventions to prevent complications.

An example of how telehealth technology could be utilized in my practice is through remote patient monitoring of diabetes management. Using wearable devices that transmit glucose levels and other vitals to a central platform allows for real-time tracking of patients' conditions. This data can facilitate immediate consultations and timely adjustments to treatment plans, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes (Bishop et al., 2021).

Ethical, Legal, and Safety Issues

One legal issue related to telehealth technology concerns the complexities of licensure across state lines. Since telehealth allows healthcare providers to deliver services remotely, questions arise regarding which state’s regulations apply, especially when a patient is located in a different state than the healthcare provider. This issue complicates legal liability and malpractice claims, as healthcare providers may inadvertently practice without proper licensure (Riggs et al., 2020).

An ethical concern associated with telehealth technology is the potential for unequal access to services. Patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may lack internet connectivity or access to necessary devices, leading to disparities in care (Koonin et al., 2020). Addressing this inequity is crucial to ensuring that telehealth benefits all segments of the population.

A client safety concern related to telehealth is the risk of misinterpretation of symptoms during virtual visits. Healthcare providers depend heavily on patients' self-reported data and visual cues, which may not provide a comprehensive picture of their health status. This reliance could lead to misdiagnoses or missed critical conditions if not managed appropriately (Brock et al., 2021).

Mitigating Strategies

To address the identified legal issue of licensure in telehealth, a potential mitigating strategy is the implementation of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), which streamlines the licensure process for providers wishing to practice across state lines. This compact allows for a more efficient approach to address the growing demand for telehealth services while ensuring compliance with legal standards (IMLC, 2023).

For the ethical concern of unequal access, a proactive approach could involve healthcare organizations collaborating with local governments and non-profits to provide subsidized internet access and telehealth devices to populations in need. Initiatives aimed at educating patients on utilizing telehealth services effectively can also bridge this gap (Kpade et al., 2023).

To mitigate client safety concerns, implementing comprehensive training for healthcare providers on how to conduct thorough virtual assessments can enhance the accuracy of telehealth evaluations. Continuous education on recognizing the limitations of virtual visits and the importance of follow-up assessments can bolster patient safety protocols (Bishop et al., 2021).

Reflection

I support the use of telehealth technology in healthcare, as it presents significant opportunities to enhance patient access to quality care, reduce healthcare costs, and improve overall health outcomes. The current landscape of healthcare emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to existing barriers, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which catalyzed the rapid adoption of telehealth.

This knowledge will improve my effectiveness as an advanced practice nurse by equipping me with the tools to deliver patient-centered care regardless of location. Understanding the ethical, legal, and safety implications surrounding telehealth will enable me to advocate for policies that promote equitable access while ensuring that all patients receive safe and competent care. I am committed to integrating telehealth into my practice to support my patients' holistic needs, promote health equity, and enhance continuity of care.

References

  • American Telemedicine Association. (2023). What is Telehealth? Retrieved from Americantelemed.org

  • Bishop, T., et al. (2021). Remote patient monitoring for chronic disease management: A systematic review. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare 27(3), 145-157.

  • Brock, J., et al. (2021). Safety in telemedicine: Balancing the benefits of technology with patient care. American Journal of Medicine, 134(5), 638-645.

  • Koonin, L. M., et al. (2020). Telehealth use among health centers during COVID-19: A national survey. Health Affairs, 39(9), 1542-1550.

  • Kpade, V., et al. (2023). Addressing digital health disparities in rural communities: A policy approach. Journal of Rural Health, 39(1), 30-36.

  • Riggs, R., et al. (2020). Legal challenges facing telehealth: An examination of the current landscape. Telemedicine and e-Health, 26(8), 1000-1005.

  • Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). (2023). IMLC Overview. Retrieved from imlcc.org