Please consider the following scenario:
You have been assigned as one member of a 3-4-member nursing IT team at the local community hospital. The hospital is in a rural area with the closest Tier-1 hospital (trauma center) three hours away. In the past four years, there has been a noticeable increase in the incidence rate of young adults with asthma “attacks.” The nursing unit managers have performed research on the issue and have determined that asthma patients readmitted within 30 days with asthma exacerbations occurred most noticeably during the winter months and on the weekends. Further investigation showed that additional potential factors to the asthma exacerbations appear to be brought on by the use of e-cigarette’s and hookah smoking, and for patients with allergies. The nursing managers have expressed a desire to incorporate Telehealth measures and phone applications as a means of educating the young adult populations on ways to control asthma outbreaks. The team has researched the literature and noted that Telehealth was introduced at other facilities with great success and helped to improve outcomes for patients with the signs and symptoms of asthma exacerbations. The nursing IT team will be required to create and present a PowerPoint presentation to nurse administration about the proposed plan.
I am part of the group of 4 but I am not the one in charge to submit or create the PowerPoint presentation.
I just need to include thorough answers to the following questions and send it to the leader of the group in charge of creating the slides of the PowerPoint with the 2 answers respond for each member of the group.
Response to:
- How would training for the proposed solution be conducted for patients and nursing staff?
- What are potential issues with developing and sustaining a tele-health program?
References
American Association of the College of Nurses (AACN). (2008). Essentials of Baccalaureate of Education: Essential VI – Interprofessional communication and collaboration for improving patient health outcomes. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/BaccEssentials08.pdf
Nester, J. (2016). The importance of interprofessional practice and education in the era of accountable care. The North Carolina Medical Journal, 77 (2), p. 128-132. doi. 10.18043/ncm.77.2.128
Member 1:
- Training for Patients: Patient training for the Telehealth solution can be conducted through a structured online module. This module would cover topics such as recognizing asthma triggers, proper inhaler techniques, and emergency action plans. Interactive videos, quizzes, and virtual simulations can be incorporated to engage and educate patients effectively.
- Training for Nursing Staff: Nursing staff training should involve a combination of online courses and hands-on workshops. Online modules can cover the technical aspects of Telehealth usage, patient engagement strategies, and effective communication through virtual platforms. Workshops can provide practical experience in using Telehealth equipment and role-playing scenarios to enhance communication skills.
Member 2:
- Potential Issues – Patient Engagement: Developing a sustainable Telehealth program may face challenges in patient engagement. Some patients, particularly in rural areas, might lack access to stable internet connections or smartphones, limiting their participation. To address this, the program could provide low-cost or subsidized devices and partner with local community centers for internet access.
- Potential Issues – Data Security and Privacy: Implementing Telehealth raises concerns about the security and privacy of patient data. Ensuring compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations is crucial. The program should utilize encrypted communication platforms, conduct regular security audits, and educate both patients and staff about data protection measures.
Member 3:
- Training for Patients: Patient training can be facilitated through a user-friendly mobile application. The app can offer interactive modules, personalized care plans, and real-time monitoring of asthma symptoms. Push notifications and alerts can remind patients to take their medications, track triggers, and attend virtual appointments.
- Potential Issues – Technology Accessibility: One challenge is ensuring equal access to the Telehealth program for all patients, especially those with limited technological literacy or older adults. To overcome this, the program should offer tech support helplines, clear user guides, and possibly collaborate with local libraries or community centers for in-person assistance.
Member 4:
- Training for Nursing Staff: Nursing staff training can include webinars and workshops on using Telehealth platforms effectively. Role-playing exercises can simulate different patient scenarios, helping nurses develop strong virtual communication skills and the ability to assess symptoms remotely.
- Potential Issues – Staff Resistance: Developing and sustaining a Telehealth program might face resistance from staff unfamiliar with the technology or skeptical about its effectiveness. To mitigate this, regular communication about the program’s benefits, success stories from other institutions, and involving nurses in the program’s design and implementation can help build buy-in and enthusiasm.
These responses provide a comprehensive overview of the proposed Telehealth solution’s training methods and potential challenges. The leader of the group can now incorporate these answers into the PowerPoint presentation to present a well-rounded perspective on the proposed plan.