telehealth.edited

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Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology *

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Nursing

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Nov 24, 2024

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Abstract Telehealth offers both benefits and challenges. On the side, it improves accessibility, cost- effectiveness, and patient engagement. However, there are obstacles, to its integration, including limitations, concerns about privacy, and the inability to conduct thorough physical examinations. To ensure telehealth assessments it is important to prepare and actively involve patients in the process conduct comprehensive evaluations document everything thoroughly while adhering to legal and regulatory standards. Limitations arise from factors such as barriers and constraints in conducting physical examinations remotely nuances in communication methods used during telehealth sessions, privacy concerns surrounding virtual consultations, and the complexities of regulatory requirements. Healthcare providers require technology infrastructure for telehealth services along with access to information and effective communication tools for virtual examinations while ensuring compliance with regulations and proper payment procedures. From a patient's perspective accessing care easily through telehealth services along with communication and a sense of connection are important. Addressing these aspects effectively is crucial, in unlocking the potential of telehealth while promoting efficient healthcare delivery. Keywords: Telehealth, Healthcare accessibility, Telehealth assessment, Technological barriers, Patient-provider perspectives.
What are the Pros and Cons of telehealth? Pros of Telehealth Telehealth has many benefits which improve the accessibility and quality of health care. One of the major strengths of this form is that through it, healthcare is provided to persons residing in under-served or remote areas thereby overcoming geographical barriers and giving a chance to medical services to such people who live far away from healthcare centers. Patients can receive care as they sit in their homes thus cutting traveling time and costs, making health care more affordable. Telehealth provides continuous monitoring and follow-ups, especially for chronic conditions, and can always be followed up without the need for regular in-person visits. This improves health care experience and stimulates patient self-management and engagement which may improve health outcomes. Telehealth reduces the travel expense for the patient and for this healthcare provider saves the cost of the traditional in-person visit. Also, this type of healthcare delivery increases the scope of specialist care, allowing specialists to render consultancy to a wider patient population, culminating in a more holistic and comprehensive healthcare system. engine: In addition, this mode of delivery for health care extends specialist care, which permits Cons of telehealth Telehealth offers numerous advantages but faces multiple challenges that may slow down its integration into healthcare. Some of these challenges include technological barriers, where not all people have access to and familiarity with the appropriate technology, which restricts their involvement in telehealth services.
In addition, medical data must be kept under high measures of security to avoid breaches, and this is a substantial risk as well. Another major disadvantage involves the inability to perform remote physical examination which cannot be overlooked as at times it is crucial for correct diagnosis and may result in erroneous diagnosis or wrong diagnosis. Following a myriad of healthcare laws and regulations is tough and necessitates great attention to one’s legal and regulatory affairs. Finally, there is uneven telehealth which increases the inequity of health provision and access in different regions and certain groups. These challenges must be addressed to unleash the potential of telehealth whilst preserving safe and fair healthcare distribution. How will you approach and perform a telehealth assessment? Preparation An effective telehealth assessment starts with proper preparation. First of all, one should be conversant with the telehealth platform and tools. This makes it easy to navigate their way around the software, understand its functionalities, and eventually lead to an efficient assessment. Equally crucial is patient education. Giving the patient specific and comprehensive directions on how to access the platform and other preparations such as ensuring that they have documents and test results in readiness for the evaluation smoothens the assessment process. Such a proactive strategy helps avoid possible technical glitches and ensures the full readiness of the patient for the session. Engagement It is also important to create an excellent relationship with a patient from the start of the telehealth meeting. A connection can be established with the patient and this could even happen virtually, hence making the patient feel at ease and comfortable with the telehealth process. It is
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also equally important that the assessment process is clarified step by step. Providing information about what will take place, the structure of the assessment, how the information will be kept confidential, and addressing any fears the person has is necessary to build trust and ensure comfort. Informed consent of the patient in this case is a requirement for proper involvement and participation of the patient in the whole examination. Assessment It is during the assessment phase that the actual evaluation is carried out. The assessment starts with a thorough history taking of the patient’s medical background, current symptom presentation, and any relevant issues. A visual examination using one of Zoom’s video functions helps identify possible obvious symptoms or issues. Also, guiding the patient on self- examination involving measuring vitals among other things relevant to the case is an essential part of a physical examination. The depth of the assessment can be increased by instructing the patient how to use home diagnostic tools or interpret the results. For example, physical assistance from a caregiver or on-site nurse/physician will lead to a more exact and comprehensive examination. Discussion and Plan Following the evaluation, it is critical to have a lengthy discussion with the patient about the results. Discussing probable diagnoses, future actions, and recommendations encourages a collaborative approach to their healthcare. Creating a treatment plan, which may include drugs, lifestyle modifications, or more diagnostic testing, includes the patient in the decision-making process, assuring active involvement and comprehension. Based on the exam results, scheduling any necessary follow-up sessions or in-person visits gives a clear way ahead. Documentation
In telehealth examinations, accurate and detailed documentation is critical. Making a full and detailed note of the session's findings, suggestions, and any prescriptions or advice offered to the patient ensures a thorough and detailed record for future reference. Furthermore, careful adherence to regulatory rules for data privacy and telehealth legislation in capturing and keeping patient information is required to guarantee confidentiality and compliance. What are the limits to telehealth? Technological Barriers Access to high-speed internet and dependable technologies remains difficult, particularly in rural or disadvantaged locations. Telehealth services might be hampered by poor connectivity or a lack of access. Limitations in Physical Examinations Certain medical diseases or situations necessitate in-person physical exams, which are difficult to mimic online. Intricate diagnostic procedures, palpation, or some specialist tests, for example, might be difficult to do via telehealth. Lack of Non-Verbal Cues Nonverbal cues are often used by healthcare practitioners in conventional face-to-face consultations to diagnose and interpret patient problems. Telehealth, which is frequently confined to visual and aural signals, may lose out on important nonverbal communication, compromising evaluation accuracy. Privacy and Security Concerns Data breaches, confidentiality problems, and the protection of sensitive patient information are all major concerns. It is difficult to maintain the same level of confidentiality and privacy in remote consultations as in real healthcare settings.
Regulatory and Legal Restrictions Different state or nation rules, license concerns, and insurance coverage complexity all provide challenges to the smooth practice of telemedicine across areas. What is the difference between the provider's need for a successful telehealth visit versus the Patient's perspective? Technological Reliability: Telehealth providers rely on a safe and stable platform to perform consultations successfully. The backbone of their ability to give high-quality treatment remotely is ensuring that their technology infrastructure is stable and secure. From the patient's standpoint, however, the emphasis is on a readily accessible and user-friendly telehealth platform. Patients want a pleasant and hassle-free experience during their virtual medical consultations, therefore they prioritize systems that are intuitive and simple. Access to Patient Information Access to the patient's medical history is critical for providers to guarantee accurate assessment and proper treatment. A thorough awareness of a patient's medical history is essential for providing educated and effective care. In contrast, the goal for the patient is a safe and comfortable setting in which to openly address health problems. Patients love the ability to openly disclose their health difficulties and feel comfortable throughout the telehealth conversation. Clear Communication Effective tools for clear communication are critical for physicians during telehealth consultations. They require reliable ways of communicating information and instructions accurately and understandably. Meanwhile, patients want clear instructions and direction to
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ensure a seamless and intelligible telehealth session. Clarity and direction are essential for patients to confidently and easily traverse the virtual healthcare procedure. Virtual Examination Tools Comprehensive virtual examination tools, including advice for patients to conduct self- exams, are required by providers for a full assessment. In turn, patients demand a full evaluation and clear instructions on treatment or any additional steps required, ensuring a thorough grasp of their health status and subsequent actions. Compliance with Regulations To comply with particular rules and norms, providers must negotiate complicated legal and regulatory frameworks governing telehealth. Meanwhile, people are primarily concerned with the pricing and insurance coverage of telehealth services. From the patient's standpoint, accessibility and financial feasibility are crucial in accessing and maintaining telehealth services. Payment and Reimbursement To ensure the sustainability of telehealth practice it is crucial for providers to receive compensation. Conversely, patients place importance on engagement and empathy yearning for a connection despite the remote nature of telehealth. Establishing a bond and feeling valued are components of a patient's telehealth experience.