Over the years, nurses have functioned as the foundation of healthcare delivery. However, there has been a critical talent shortage with the increase in healthcare needs of the nation, as the training remains the same, hence cannot keep up.
Telehealth technologies present a ray of hope where the healthcare needs can be addressed, sidestepping the shortage. The technology has come at a time when people suffering from chronic illnesses need augmented services and consultation.
What is Telenursing
Telenursing, also telehealth nursing, is the use of technology to provide nursing services through mobile devices and computers. Telehealth is becoming a more prevalent healthcare option with the increase in the accessibility of mobile devices.
Patients are no longer limited to in-person clinical settings, as they can access their primary care providers from any location. Telenursing enables patients to connect with their nurses through mobile apps, computers, mobile devices, video technology, and remote patient monitoring.
Nurses provide care through telenursing by using a variety of tools. They can regularly monitor the specific patient conditions, and send information through websites or apps.Did You Know? More patients are interested in direct interactions with their nursing, making telenursing more prominent than ever.
Benefits of Telenursing
Patients, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners obtain significant benefits from the application of telenursing. Here are the top four benefits to the patients
i) Remote Service Delivery
Applying telenursing enables the nurses to remotely monitor the conditions of their patients by applying a variety of tools that blend audio, video, and text-based information. The quality of telenursing service parallels that of in-person office visits, hence increasing efficiency for patients in sparsely populated areas and rural communities. These also ensure that any complications can be promptly addressed by a qualified nurse without having the patient inconvenienced by traveling.
ii) Financial Savings
Telenursing significantly reduces costs for the patients and the practitioners. According to a 2017 study by Health Affairs, an office visit would cost patients $146 while a telehealth visit costs only $79. Other savings include reduced visitation expenses for the patient.
iii) Improved Bed Allocation
Healthcare providers have asserted that there are considerable reductions in readmissions due to the improved follow-up care to high-risk clients using telenursing. Chronic illness sufferers and recent surgical patients can receive high level follow up that reduces the complications that might prompt readmission, improving the bed allocations within hospitals.
iv) Patient Comfort
In a survey conducted, three out of four patients reported feeling comfortable with telenursing. The patient can freely access specialists who might typically remain heavily scheduled with other patients. A study of Massachusetts General Hospital telehealth patients revealed that most patients reiterated the improved convenience of virtual health, with 60% pointing out that the quality of the virtual visits was comparable to in-person visits. Besides, telenursing improves the comfort as you fulfill your appointments from the safety and privacy of your home.
Telenursing at Shot Health
Shot Health has established a sophisticated and advanced telenursing platform that ensures that our clients have the best quality service from the comfort of their homes. Our virtual appointments are handled by qualified and professional nurses who deliver services comparable to in-office visits, with an added advantage of convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Get in touch with us at www.shothealth.com and book your virtual appointment today.
