NSG 3039 Week 4 Discussion-Telenursing and Telemedicine
In any endeavor or program implemented in healthcare, patient engagement is key to achieving its greatest potential. McGonigle (2017) asserts, “Previous telehealthcare deliveries were largely provider initiated; however, we are beginning to see that consumers will drive the way health care is delivered in the future” (p.385). There are different ways to increase engagement on both the patient and provider end to help ensure its success.
One way to increase patient engagement is to get the word out there. Advertising and educating patients on the benefits of telehealth will broaden patient perception, thus increasing their chances of embracing it. OConnor et al. (2016) assert, “There is a need to invest in raising the profile of digital health products and services so patients and the public are knowledgeable about them” (p. 10). Radio, billboards, social media, and leaflets mailed to the public would greatly increase public awareness of telehealth. Using different outlets could reach those who are and are not technologically savvy.
In the absence of being face-to-face with a provider, it may make some patients suspicious of the level of connection they might have on a computer screen. In the same study previously mentioned, OConnor et al. (2016) suggest that technology that incorporates and enhances communication, social interaction, and relationships with formal and informal care providers and peers with similar health issues, both online and offline, may help ensure engagement and enrolment, as people can quickly and easily access the social support they need to manage their wellbeing. (p. 11)
Human interaction is what helps us feel connected. By using consistent communication through telehealth, we can reach our patients more personally, regardless of not being physically present. Telehealth can allow us to more frequently than a scheduled office appointment. This could make patients feel more empowered to utilize this service.
Anyone who signs up for a service wants to ensure it is legitimate and trustworthy. A way to assure patients that the telehealth service they are considering is credible would be to advocate reliable organizations and providers as a part of the program (OConnor et al., 2016). Patients who view a telehealth program as dependable are much more likely to have a desire to participate.
NSG 3039 Week 4 Discussion-Telenursing and Telemedicine
One way to increase provider engagement in a telehealth program would include classroom and self-learning online education modules. An article discussed a certificate training program formed by the National Academic Center for Telehealth (NACT). The students who enrolled and completed the five online self-study courses successfully learned ways to increase patient participation and safety and the telehealth skills necessary to improve positive patient outcomes (Papanagnou, Sicks, & Hollander, 2015). With training programs, providers can acquire the knowledge necessary to assist patients in telehealth.
Another way of promoting the effectiveness and engagement of providers in a pilot program would involve using simulation so they can practice telehealth skills. This would make them more comfortable in a live setting with a patient. One study with a focus on APRN students tested telehealth practice simulation as a means to increase their engagement in a real-time setting. At the end of the study, the students conveyed that the simulation enabled them to practice a skill they had inadequate experience with within their prospective clinical settings (Smith, Watts, & Moss, 2018).
In conclusion, a telehealth program can only be successful if there is satisfactory patient participation and engagement. Advertisement, sufficient communication, and credibility assertion are all important ways to encourage patient involvement. On the same token, provider incentives must be established through education and training to assist in maintaining a desire for patients to participate in this incredible field of telehealth.
References
McGonigle, D. (2017). Nursing Informatics and the Foundation of Knowledge, 4th Edition [VitalSource Bookshelf version]. Retrieved from vbk://9781284142990
OConnor, S., Hanlon, P., ODonnell, C. A., Garcia, S., Glanville, J., & Mair, F. S. (2016). Understanding factors affecting patient and public engagement and recruitment to digital health interventions: A systematic review of qualitative studies. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision
Making, 16 doi:http://dx.doi.org.su.idm.oclc.org/10.1186/s12911-016-0359-3
Papanagnou, D., Sicks, S., & Hollander, J. E. (2015). The next generation of care providers: Focus on telehealth. Healthcare Transformation, 1(1), 52-63. doi:http://dx.doi.org.su.idm.oclc.org/10.1089/heat.2015.29001-psh
Smith, T. S., Watts, P., & Moss, J. A. (2018). Using simulation to teach telehealth nursing competencies. Journal of Nursing Education, 57(10), 624-627. doi:http://dx.doi.org.su.idm.oclc.org/10.3928/01484834-20180921-10
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Question 
NSG 3039 Week 4 Discussion-Telenursing and Telemedicine
Telenursing and telemedicine will only be successful if patients engage in the program. Your manager has asked you to pilot a program to improve transitions of care using the new telemedicine system recently implemented at your hospital. What are some of the ways that you can encourage both patient and provider engagement to ensure the pilot program’s success?