Telehealth By Dr/ Reda Abd El Aal

Objectives Define telehealth as an informatics trend Evaluate the hardware and software used in telehealth Summarize an information system used in telehealth List the advantages and disadvantages of telenursing Explain the ethical and legal issues in telenursing Review the competencies and role of informatics in telehealth

outline Definition of telehealth. Telehealth Services. Benefits of Telehealth. Services of telehealth. Advantages of telenursing. Diasdvantades of telenursing. Barriers of telehealth.

Definition of telehealth Telehealth is defined as the use of communications and information technology to deliver health and health care services, information and education where participants are separated.

What Is Telehealth? Videoconferencing The internet Store-and-forward imaging Streaming media Terrestrial and wireless communications (HRSA, 2008)

What is Telehealth? Video Conferencing Distance Learning Telemedicine – Asynchronous – Provider to Provider – Synchronous – Provider to Patient & Provider – Synchronous – Provider to Patient

Telehealth Services areas Health promotion Disease prevention Diagnosis Consultation Education Therapy Decision support

Four areas of telehealth Tele consultation Tele education Home tele health Tele triage

Benefits of Telehealth Provide health care services over large geographical distance. Remote monitoring Advice regarding disease without travel Treatment follow-ups via telecommunications Improved clinical care and satisfaction. Cost effective. Encourage client to be active participants

Benefits of Telehealth(cont.) Specialty care more accessible to rural / urban populations. Continuing education and training for rural health practitioners. Allows nurses to deliver accurate and timely information.

Services of telehealth 1- Videoconferencing via satellite internet Specialist consultation Administration 2- Patient education 3- Continuing education for health care professionals. 4- Family visitation for patients hospitalized out of their communities.

Tele health hardware Telephone Computer Fax machine Monitoring equipment – Diabetes monitors – Cardiovascular monitors

Telehealth Software Microsoft Windows/Operating Systems Databases Internet browsers clients Conferencing software.

Cons of Tele health Issues Lack of standards Need for technical support Lack of available infrastructure Accreditation and regulatory requirements Homeland security Limitations Lack of funding

Definition of TELEMEDICINE “...the use of electronic information and communications technologies to provide and support health care when distance separates the participants...”

Related Terms Tele nursing—use of computer technology and telecommunications for the delivery of nursing care

Telenursing Advantages Nursing can be provided to remote locations Cost efficient Time saving Increases patient involvement in self care

Telenursing Disadvantages Nurses unable to visualize the patient Faceless encounter for patient Ethical dilemmas for nurses Technological difficulties

Telenursing Uses: – Telephone triage – Follow-up calls – Checking biometric measurements – Education – Consultations – Patient assessment – Electronic house calls

Ethical/Legal Issues in Telenursing Privacy Security Confidentiality Autonomy

Telenursing Competencies Use of Use of database software Use of videoconferencing software when applicable Use of web browser

Functions of the Informatics Nurse in Telehealth Installation of hardware Patient education Monitoring devices Troubleshooting equipment

Barriers to telehealth Human and organizational factors represent the major barrier A lack of financial support. Sometimes a lack of trust, commitment and dedication by healthcare personnel reflect a lack of readiness for telehealth A lack of appropriate training and educational facilities The lack of information about cost-effectiveness of telehealth Lack of an adequate telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world The legal and ethical issues including licensing, privacy and confidentiality Reimbursement or the lack of it is also an obstacle for potential telehealth practitioners

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