Premium Essay

How Can Telehealth Improve Patient Safety in Nursing Homes

In:

Submitted By wpointjour
Words 2886
Pages 12
Wesley D. Pointjour
Final Research Paper: Telehealth In Nursing Homes
Health Quality Management
April 02, 2015

Introduction In many nursing home facilities, patient safety is little to non-existent and if they are, there displayed on a need be and not obliged basis. They are displayed case by case rather than nursing home protocol. Even with changes in regulations, reporting systems, and documentation over the past couple of years, the nursing home industry still has its share of problems. Patient safety is meant to provide patients freedom from healthcare associated preventable harm, meaning when things go right, nothing bad happens. Nursing home organizations have been constantly trying to improve their reputation and the way people view them, but how? Don’t patients make up a nursing home? What about their safety? Shouldn’t we start there? How do we make improvements? Telehealth, a new approach to improving patient safety in nursing homes, will use telecommunication technologies to deliver health related services and information that support patient care, administrative activities, and health education (Dixon, Hook, McGowan, 2008). In this paper I will explore the major benefits of Telehealth and how its implications can improve patient safety in nursing home care.

What is Telehealth and why is it important? Telehealth is the means and methods to improving access to care and reducing healthcare associated costs. It is also a system that can be used for education purposes, to keep physicians and medical staff in the know on healthcare changes and updates; in which combined together are the steps to improving patient safety in nursing home facilities. It is an expansion of telemedicine, and unlike telemedicine, (which focuses just on the curative aspect) it focuses more on preventative, promotive, and curative aspects as well. According to (Grabowski

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Technology Plan Paper

...monitoring of patients gradually more becomes a vital part of our health care delivery system globally, and patients become more comfortable to its ease, hospitals, health systems, insurance providers, and clinicians will have to seek out new ways to use the fast developing technology in diverse and modern ways. While telemonitoring technology is gaining interest as a plan to improve the care of patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, heart failure; they frequently also raise their own different set of legal and compliance challenges, particularly in the area of privacy and security. This paper will analyze needs and recommend ways in creating a remote monitoring program for patients with heart failure with information to how to implement it throughout the organization. What is Telemonitoring? Key information technology application domains in health care include telemedicine and home telecare. On the one hand, telemedicine is defined as the direct provision of clinical care, including diagnosing, treating, or consultation, via telecommunications for a patient at a distant (Wainwright &Wootton, 2003). Remote monitoring, or telemonitoring, can be regarded as a subdivision of telemedicine, which is the use of electronic and telecommunications technologies to provide and support health care when distance separates the participants (Nangalia, Prytherch, & Smith, 2010). According to the Phillips National Study on Home Care Technology and Telehealth, co-sponsored...

Words: 1600 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Telenursing. Is It in My Future?

...first time I heard of telenursing. It was about 4 years ago and I was still new to home health nursing. My director informed the office that we would be having an in-service on a new telehealth monitoring device we would be using for our high risk patients. We were shown how to operate the monitors and was demonstrated all of its capabilities. The telephone based devices had an interactive voice response system that could remotely monitor a patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, O2 saturation, weight and blood sugar via a telephone connection. The devices were recommended for all cardiac and respiratory patients who were at high risk for re-hospitalization since the devices would be able to recognize early symptoms and help the nurses to make quick decisions about the patients’ plan of care. So what is telenursing and telehealth? Hebda & Czar (2013), states that “telenursing is the use of telecommunications and information technology (IT) for the delivery of nursing care”. Telehealth is “the use of telecommunications technologies and electronic information to exchange healthcare information and to provide and support services such as long-distance clinical healthcare to clients”. Although, telenursing is still a fairly new concept to me, there is documentation of telenursing in the 1970’s. The first published telenursing article was written by Mary Quinn, RN in 1974. She described seeing patients remotely at Logan airport while working in a Boston Hospital telemedicine Center...

Words: 1687 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Evolution of Health Care Information Systems

...proficient, patient-focused, and effective patient care in a timely manner. In this paper the subject is to examine two contemporary health care organizations and compare and contrast several features that will include the type of information systems currently in use, analyze the transmission of data 20 years ago and how the exchange of data today. In addition, this paper will cover two major events and technology advances that have influenced current HCIS practices. Five information systems seen in health care organizations are (Wagner, 2009) 1) computerized provider order entry 2) medication administration 3) telemedicine 4) telehealth, and 5) personal health records (p. 121). Each system can provide quality improvement, improve patient safety, and be cost effective. Skilled Nursing Facilities have made significant changes over the last 20 years, in comparison to now. Looking at a skilled nursing facility present time versus a skilled nursing facility operation of Dunseith Community Nursing Home in North Dakota 20 years ago. With the implementation of new rules and regulations, this requires skilled nursing facilities to focus on quality patient care and organizational standards. Patient rights become prominent. In the 1980s, investigations among nursing homes began and came the adoption of the Nursing Home Reform bill, OBRA ’87. The OBRA ’87 is the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act ’87, “the bill asks nursing homes to provide better care for nursing home...

Words: 1332 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Improved Satisfaction

...indicated that patients that receive telehealth nursing services have better health outcomes than those that do not receive this care. Once patients leave a healthcare setting they are usually on their own to care for themselves and follow physicians’ recommendations for health promotion and maintenance. One of the problems has been that patients too often do not follow the prescribed care practices as they should, which leads to recurrent hospitalizations and an increased mortality rate from preventable causes (Schlachta-Fairchild, Elfrink, & Deickman, 2008). A study conducted by a group of doctorate nurses and a physician revealed that when individuals receive telehealth nursing in the form of coaching related to their disease process (this study was on diabetics), there is “Sustained improvements in self-efficacy…” (Young et al., 2014, p. 832). Thereby showing that improving a patient’s ability to care for themselves leads to an improvement in desired overall health outcomes. Improved Satisfaction...

Words: 567 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Wireless Technology and Communication in Healthcare

...Program Information Technologies in Medicine and Telehealth Course Instructor: Dr. Bronsburg Submitted by Rajesh Krishnan Written Assignment 1 You are the CIO of ACME Hospital in a rural underserved area. Your HCO recently received resources from a wealthy investor in the community to upgrade the hospitals communications system to a wireless platform. The boards of directors are not convinced this is a good thing, and have mixed feelings on what this will mean for the hospital. They all have cell phones but are unclear of the connection to medicine. Prepare a 4-6 page MS word document explaining to the board of directors what is wireless technology, how it works, its history, use in telemedicine, and what applications these technologies may be used for at the hospital setting. Read Chapter 1 to begin to answer these questions. What is wireless technology? Wireless technology is rapidly growing, and is playing an increasing role in people around the world in healthcare industry. Wireless is a term used to describe telecommunications in which electromagnetic waves instead of wires carry the signal over part or the entire communication pathway. The fourth generation cellular networks have greatly improved data transmission speed. In the meantime, short-range radio such as Bluetooth, Hiperlan, and infrared transmission are helping with wireless broadband multimedia and data communication in both office, hospital and home settings. Recently wireless network communications...

Words: 2153 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Telenursing

...counterparts. Advanced communication technology offers a method for addressing this problem. Nevertheless, examination of this technology indicates that while there is a great deal of potential, implementing telemedicine also encompasses many barriers. In addressing these barriers and associated issues, it is also clear that safeguards are required to protect patients and ensure that the standard defining quality care provisions are upheld. Telemedicine (TM) is defined as the "practice of 'medicine at a distance,'" indicating that it refers to the delivery of health care services in a manner that goes beyond geographical boundaries (Lateff, 2011, p. 17). TM encompasses "diagnosis, treatment, prevention, continuing education, research and evaluation" (Lateff, 2011, p. 17). TM makes it possible for health care practitioners to provide care and share knowledge and expertise via telecommunications and information technology regardless of patients' physical location (Lateff, 2011). TM is differentiated from "telecare," which is defined as the "provision of nursing and continuing support to patient at a distance," and "telehealth," which is defined as "public health services delivered at a distance to people who are not necessarily unwell" (Lateff, 2011, pp. 17-18). The utilization of telecommunication technology does not in any way negate the ethical and professional responsibilities of health care practitioners, such as those that pertain to "record-keeping, provision of physical...

Words: 1415 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Future of Nursing

...The Vision for Nursing is a Bright Nur/391 Sharon Berry Facilitator Arlene Leyba December 1, 2014 United ICN, the nurses of all nations speak with one voice. We speak as advocates for all those we serve, and for all the unserved, insisting that prevention, care and cure be the right of every human being. We are in the vanguard of health care progress, shaping health policy around the world through our expertise, the strength of our numbers, the alignment of our efforts, and our collaboration with the public and with other health professionals. This statement identifies for me my vision of our future. We will no longer be held solely to bedside practices. We are ever changing and evolving. In order to look to the future we must recognize our past. Nursing theory has evolved from Florence nightingale’s principle relating the importance of ones surroundings to promote one’s health and well-being. She wrote “Nursing is the act of utilizing the environment to assist him in his recovery.(Nightingale,1860/1969).To now recognizing the theory of Virginia Henderson who added to the theory by promoting the functions of the nurse as recognizing the whole body meeting the patients basic needs. “the unique function of the nurse …is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength will or knowledge” (pg306)...

Words: 1048 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Learning Outcome 1

...How do new technologies impact on workforce organisation? Rapid review of international evidence Report developed by The Evidence Centre for Skills for Health Contents Key Themes ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Scope .................................................................................................................................................................... 3 How are teams being organised?.......................................................................................................... 7 Substituting grades and roles ............................................................................................................................... 7 Reducing staff or team size .................................................................................................................................. 8 Empowering patients............................................................................................................................................. 9 Changing the place of care ................................................................................................................................. 10 Working across organisations ............................................................................................................................. 10 Working across regional areas .........................

Words: 19005 - Pages: 77

Premium Essay

Summary: The Contemporary Australian Healthcare System

...system need to be targeted, and, finally, how the factor currently affects the system. It can be argued that every single Australian has the right to equal healthcare access no matter who they are and where they are from. Factors such as Medicare and the Royal Flying Doctor...

Words: 1507 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Medicare

...of healthcare providers and patients worry that the recent budget crunches faced by healthcare providers will affect patient care in the years ahead. Healthcare providers are taking advantage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funding to launch telehealth initiatives to face down some of healthcare’s most daunting challenges. According to the American Telemedicine Association: "Telemedicine is the use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications to improve patients' health status. Closely associated with telemedicine is the term 'telehealth,' which is often used to encompass a broader definition of remote health care that does not always involve clinical services. Videoconferencing, transmission of still images, e-health including patient portals, remote monitoring of vital signs, continuing medical education and nursing call centers are all considered part of telemedicine and telehealth." Following decades of media attention focused on the potential for telemedicine to transform health care delivery, the technology has matured, as has the acceptance of its use among providers and payers. 2. The Value of Telehealth/Telemedicine Telehealth enables collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem, regardless of where patients and healthcare providers are located. As a result, telehealth delivers several major benefits to healthcare providers. First, clinical specialists can make their services more accessible...

Words: 4908 - Pages: 20

Premium Essay

Telenursing, the Future of Nursing

...Future of Nursing” Abstract Telenursing is changing the way patients receive care, and the way nurses deliver care. This technology has created new ways to do everything; such as give medications, chart, write out prescriptions, even just answer questions and do the essential nursing assessment. This article explores the wide range that Telenursing can achieve. From an introduction to what Telenursing is, to its ethical and legal considerations, and its use in the critical care settings. Telenursing is a benefit to the delivery of nursing care, and to the profession of nursing itself. With the help of this new technology, nurses are able to reach more patients at the same time, and even reach patients on the other side of the world. Introduction Since the early days of this new technology, the profession of nursing has taken advantage of Telenursing. The early beginnings of Telenursing were through the phone, where nurses were able to answer simple questions and ask questions about the patient’s health. As technology has advanced, so has Telenursing. And now, Telenursing has become a profession of its own, reaching people in all parts of the world, with the help of the Internet and video cameras. With this new practice, nurses are able to assess and help people that may not normally be able to access healthcare, or that are not able to make the trip to the hospital or doctor’s office. It helps nurses get in touch with more patients, and this promotes better nursing practice...

Words: 2673 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Proposal

...and Chief Medical Officer Proposal Title: Nursing Care Center By: Nightingale Nurse Recruit, Nursing Director: Anesta Parris; Medical Information Technology Directors: Dawn Froemel & Ernestina Ayon; Laboratory Services Director: Andrea Dabney April 12, 2013 Introduction Please accept this proposal for the new Riverview Hospital Nursing Care Center. Key health care directors have contributed to this plan. Each director’s perspective is shared as related to his/her department. The following pages of this proposal contain their ideas and touch on the following considerations for the planning of this new facility: The specific department services provided How nursing care center services coordinate with the services the hospital provides How nursing care center departments interact and coordinate with each other to provide efficient and effective care Potential grants to assist with funding the nursing care center project How departments demonstrate consideration and application of the nursing care center code of ethics Executive Summary Nursing Director Executive Summary Nationwide, nursing staffs is changing in today world include not only long-term to care for their patients’. The population of people receiving treatments in the hospital is becoming highly trained and committed to health care staffs. The goal is to make a difference and to take action to improve the nursing staffs. Highly recommend to improve the nurses to limited access to information...

Words: 3470 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

How to Deal with Conflict

...Foundation Health Plan, Inc. & Kaiser Foundation Hospitals Connie White Delaney, PhD, RN, FAAN, FACMI School of Nursing Professor & Dean Academic Health Center Director, Biomedical Health Informatics (BMHI) Acting Director of the Institute for Health Informatics (IHI) University of Minnesota Don Fetterolf, MD, MBA Principal Fetterolf Healthcare Consulting Robert Fortini VP & Chief Clinical Officer Bon Secours Health System Paul Grundy, MD, MPH Global Director of Healthcare Transformation IBM President Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative Richard Hodach, MD, PHD, MPH Chief Medical Officer Phytel Michael B. Matthews Chief Executive Officer Central Virginia Health Network Margaret O’Kane President National Committee for Quality Assurance Andy Steele, MD, MPH, MSC Director, Medical Informatics Denver Health 2 Dear Colleagues, Population health management has been around for a while, but only recently has it gained serious attention from mainstream healthcare organizations. The reason is simple: healthcare reimbursement is changing, and hospitals, healthcare systems, and physician groups must adapt to a new world in which providers are rewarded for meeting quality objectives for their entire patient panel, and not just those actively seeking healthcare. The emphasis clearly is shifting from volume to value, and organizations that focus on providing patient-centered, quality healthcare across a population will come out ahead. This guide represents the first comprehensive...

Words: 8702 - Pages: 35

Premium Essay

Hitech Act

...Healthcare and health information technology (health IT) are undergoing transformative change at an unprecedented pace. Strategic planning has become a major discussion point among CIOs, CTOs, CMIOs, and IT Directors. Whether it is implementing enterprise-wide electronic health record (EHR) systems, working toward compliance with the “meaningful use” EHR Incentive Program, enabling patients’ involvement through PHRs, transitioning to ICD-10, establishing insurance exchanges, becoming an accountable care organization, or even deploying a medical home, healthcare executives are confronted with a confluence of high-priority initiatives. It is imperative to view health IT strategically from an IT management perspective (Tan). Based on developing and institutionalizing health information and health IT strategic planning for large-scale integrated healthcare organizations, lessons incorporated from this can be vital. Following these practices will equip the CIO, CTO, and CMIO to not only develop a Health Information and HIT Strategic Plan, but provide clarity on operationalizing the plan and managing information and IT strategically within their organization as well. Align with Corporate Plans for strategic intent, context, and line of sight. Consider mission, vision, core values, business principles, strategic goals and objectives, strategic direction, strategic initiatives, and outcomes-based performance measures—all elements of a robust strategic planning framework (Tan). Conduct...

Words: 1580 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Supporting Indepedent Life

...Supporting Independent Living Student Name: Nzuzi Rosaria Artur Student ID: P1019897 Lecturer: Chileshe Cecilia Introduction In this article I am going to explain how technology can be implemented to support users to live independently, also I am to analyse barriers of technology, to explain the benefits of technology in health and social care, to talk about health and safety considerations, to talk about the ethical consideration of assistive technologies, to give explanation of the impact of budding technology development, on health and social care services, between organisations and care workers, to define the specific needs, to identify specific needs of an individual require to be supported to live independently, and to linked it to Sally' s case study. To recommend which technologies, must support the independent living arrangements, and finally to evaluate the usefulness of technology for users of health and social care services. Task 1 1.1 Explain how technology can be used to support users of health and social care services in living independently. Disability rights commission rule (2002) extracts the word independent living and refers to entirely disable, individuals meeting the equal selection, control and freedom as any other citizen at home, at work, and in the community. Does not necessarily mean disabled persons they do everything for themselves it does means the rights to practical assistance people need should be share on their own...

Words: 5099 - Pages: 21