Emerging Technologies Assignment ✓ Solved

Provide a clear summary of the article. Identify and define the emerging technology described in the article. Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing. Reminder – the news article is not a scholarly source but should be appropriately cited.

Describe your intended area of practice. Describe an example of how the emerging technology could be used in your future area of nursing practice. Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing.

Describe at least one legal issue related to the emerging technology. Next, describe at least one ethical concern related to the emerging technology. Finally, describe at least one client safety concern related to the emerging technology. Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing.

Describe a mitigating strategy for the identified legal issue related to the emerging technology. Next, describe a mitigating strategy for the identified ethical concern related to the emerging technology. Finally, describe a mitigating strategy for the identified client safety concern related to the emerging technology. Provide an in-text citation from one scholarly source to support your writing.

Identify whether you support the use of the technology in healthcare. Provide a rationale for why or why not. Reflect on how the knowledge will improve your effectiveness as an advanced practice nurse.

Paper For Above Instructions

The landscape of healthcare is continually evolving, driven by the rapid advancement of technology. One of the emerging technologies that is reshaping the profession is telehealth. Telehealth encompasses a variety of technologies and tactics to deliver virtual medical, health, and education services—easing accessibility and convenience for patients and providers alike (Jiang et al., 2021). This summary will outline the role of telehealth in nursing practice, potential legal, ethical, and safety concerns, mitigation strategies for those issues, and overall reflection on its implementation in healthcare.

The emergence of telehealth primarily aims to enhance access to care while addressing the growing healthcare demands in various settings. The current pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of this technology, necessitating quick adaptations among practitioners. An example of its implementation in nursing practice pertains to chronic disease management. Nurses in primary care settings can utilize telehealth platforms to monitor patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension remotely (Dorsey & Gardner, 2016). This facilitates timely interventions, improves adherence to care protocols, and fosters greater patient engagement. It’s crucial for healthcare professionals to support their practice with scholarly sources, as Dorsey and Gardner highlight the positive effects of telehealth on chronic disease management, indicating improved patient outcomes.

However, the rapid integration of telehealth into practice raises several legal, ethical, and safety issues that must be addressed. Legally, one major concern involves the adherence to privacy regulations, particularly the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which governs patient information confidentiality (Weinstein et al., 2018). Nurses must ensure that telehealth systems are compliant with HIPAA to prevent data breaches and maintain trust with their patients.

Ethically, a pertinent concern relates to the equitable access to telehealth services. While telehealth can improve access for many, disparities in technology access and digital literacy can leave vulnerable populations underserved (Gattinara et al., 2020). This creates a moral obligation for nurses to advocate for solutions that minimize these disparities and ensure fair access to all patients, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Client safety is another critical area of concern. Telehealth can limit the ability to perform comprehensive physical assessments, potentially leading to misdiagnoses or delayed treatment plans (Kruse et al., 2017). Nurses must remain vigilant and employ additional functionality within telehealth frameworks to mitigate these risks, such as encouraging follow-up visits when warranted or utilizing mobile health (mHealth) applications for monitoring patients’ physical signs.

To address the legal issue surrounding HIPAA compliance, one mitigating strategy would involve utilizing encrypted telehealth platforms and regular staff training on privacy protocols among nurses and other healthcare providers (Abraham et al., 2020). Implementing stringent data-sharing agreements and protocols can further safeguard patient information.

In mitigating ethical concerns regarding equitable access, healthcare organizations can offer training sessions aimed at improving patients’ digital literacy, ensuring that they are comfortable utilizing telehealth platforms (Gattinara et al., 2020). Additionally, developing community partnerships can aid in facilitating access to necessary technology and internet connectivity for those at risk of exclusion.

Regarding client safety, employing triage protocols within telehealth practices can help prioritize in-person assessments where indications of a serious condition arise (Kruse et al., 2017). Moreover, integrating decision-support tools into the telehealth system can assist nurses in making well-informed interventions during virtual appointments.

Reflecting on telehealth's incorporation into healthcare, I support its utilization as long as appropriate measures are in place to address the aforementioned challenges. Telehealth represents a significant opportunity to enhance the delivery of patient-centered care, especially for populations in remote areas or with mobility limitations. As an advanced practice nurse, understanding how to navigate these complexities will bolster my capability to deliver quality care, advocate for patients’ rights, and foster equitable healthcare practices.

References

• Abraham, A., et al. (2020). Security and privacy issues in telehealth: A systematic review. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 26(9), 515-524.
• Dorsey, E. R., & Gardner, J. (2016). Telemedicine and the future of healthcare. Health Affairs, 35(12), 2184-2189.
• Gattinara, G. C., et al. (2020). Equity in telehealth: The view of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal for Equity in Health, 19(1), 131.
• Jiang, S. Q., et al. (2021). The role of telehealth in healthcare: A systematic review. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare.
• Kruse, C. S., et al. (2017). Telehealth and patient satisfaction: A systematic review and narrative analysis. BMJ Open, 7(8), e016242.
• Weinstein, R. S., et al. (2018). Telehealth and telemedicine: The roles of ethical, legal, and educational issues. Telemedicine and e-Health, 24(7), 517-523.