Like many things during the pandemic, going back to school is going to look a little different this year. Although campuses may be closed, at Denver College of Nursing, our remote learning delivery allows you to continue to pursue your dreams and further your career at a time when trained health care professionals are more in demand than ever before. Among the latest developments in the medical field that you will learn about is telehealth.
While nurses have been using phone calls to provide patient care, relaying lab results, refilling medication, and giving instructions and advice, the coronavirus has dramatically shifted to video as an effective way to reduce the number of people in a doctor’s office or clinic and still get patients the care they need. Nurses can meet with patients, may be able to diagnose some conditions, and provide certain services. And due to the success for both the patient and provider, telehealth appointments are likely here to stay. In fact, they offer several benefits for both the patient and the nurse.
Safety
First, telehealth visits help keep people safe. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, they are particularly effective for screening patients who may have symptoms of COVID-19. They are also effective for providing low-risk urgent care for potentially contagious non-COVID-19 conditions, helping patients stay home instead of risk exposing others to the virus.
Convenience
Meeting with a nurse via video or phone provides an easier way for patients to get immediate care, which can be helpful for people who live a long distance from a clinic or hospital. Patients who have chronic health conditions may find telehealth appointments a convenient way to monitor and manage their symptoms and wellbeing. Another good use for telehealth calls is providing pre- and post-op information and care. Sometimes even physical or occupational therapy can be provided by video.
Technology also makes telehealth convenient for healthcare providers since it can be done anywhere. Nurses may work from home or from offices, clinics, or hospitals. And since healthcare is needed around the clock, becoming a telehealth nurse can offer flexible hours that fit your schedule.
Cost
Telehealth visits can save money for both the patient and the provider. Many healthcare organizations are making more use of telehealth visits as a way of reducing the number of visits to the emergency room. A study from Regence Health Plans found that patients save an average of $100 per visit by using telehealth instead of in-person office, urgent care, or emergency room visits.
Gain Telehealth Skills
Currently, nurses are not required to be certified in telehealth medicine, however, they must still be appropriately licensed by their state(s) and comply with federal and state regulations, including patient confidentiality and HIPAA requirements. Telehealth nurses must also adhere to standards set in place by the American Nurses Association and the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nurses. In some cases, an advanced degree may be required.
Nurses who are good at asking questions and working with patients to diagnose and provide straightforward instruction and advice likely adapt easily to a telehealth model.
While telehealth has been around for decades, it is now at the forefront of primary care. To build your confidence in providing telehealth services in addition to the care you already provide your patients, look to Denver College of Nursing. They have regionally accredited degree programs that help nurses build their knowledge and skill set to effectively manage patient care in this new era. Click here for more information or call us today at (800) 600-6604 and speak to one of our career counselors.