Chamberlain College Of Nursing Nr361 Information Syst 601722

Chamberlain College Of Nursingnr361 Information Systems In Healthcar

The purpose of this assignment is to explore the specialty of telehealth, and more specifically telenursing, as one example of the use of technology in various practice settings. Advantages and disadvantages for the patient and legal and ethical principles for the nurse of this technology will be explored. You are to research (find evidence), compose, and type a scholarly paper that describes telenursing, including its advantages and disadvantages from both the nurse’s and patient’s perspectives, and evaluate whether it aligns with your career goals and life situation. The paper should include an introduction with supporting evidence, a body with discussion supported by citations, and a conclusion with your position based on evidence concerning the application of telenursing in your practice. APA formatting and scholarly writing standards must be followed, with a length of 4-5 pages excluding title and references.

Paper For Above instruction

In recent years, the rapid advancement of technology has significantly transformed healthcare delivery, with telehealth emerging as a pivotal component. Among its various modalities, telenursing stands out as a promising, yet complex, innovation that offers numerous opportunities and challenges for nurses and patients alike. This paper explores the concept of telenursing, considering its advantages and disadvantages from both the healthcare provider's and recipient's perspectives, and evaluates whether pursuing a career in this field aligns with my professional aspirations and personal circumstances.

Introduction

Telehealth, particularly telenursing, is a rapidly expanding field that employs telecommunications technology to deliver nursing care remotely. According to Hebda (2013), telehealth encompasses a broad range of health services provided through electronic information and telecommunication technologies. Telenursing involves registered nurses assessing, monitoring, and providing patient education via video conferencing, remote monitoring devices, and other digital platforms. With the advent of such technology, healthcare providers can deliver more accessible, timely, and cost-effective care, especially to patients in remote or underserved areas (American Telemedicine Association, 2020). As a future nursing professional, understanding the benefits and limitations of telenursing is essential to determine if this innovative approach aligns with my career goals and personal values, particularly regarding patient privacy, ethical practice, and professional development.

Advantages of Telenursing

One of the primary advantages of telenursing is improved access to healthcare services. Patients with mobility issues, those living in rural areas, or those with chronic illnesses benefit from remote consultations, reducing the need for travel and wait times (Whitehead et al., 2016). For example, telemonitoring devices can continuously collect vital signs and alert nurses to potential problems before hospitalization becomes necessary, thus promoting preventative care and reducing readmission rates (Darkins et al., 2017). Such proactive management improves patient outcomes and satisfaction by providing immediate feedback and support in a familiar environment.

Moreover, telenursing enhances healthcare efficiency and resource utilization. Nurses can manage multiple patients simultaneously through digital platforms, optimizing staffing and reducing healthcare costs (Radhakrishnan et al., 2021). For nurses, this modality allows flexibility, often enabling remote work, which can improve work-life balance and job satisfaction (Kelley et al., 2019). Additionally, telenursing facilitates nurse-patient relationships based on ongoing communication rather than episodic in-person visits, fostering trust and adherence to treatment plans (Luo et al., 2020).

Disadvantages of Telenursing

Despite its benefits, telenursing presents notable disadvantages. A significant concern is the potential compromise of patient privacy and confidentiality. Data transmitted electronically can be vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized access, raising ethical and legal dilemmas related to data security (Kao et al., 2019). Nurses must adhere to strict regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect patient information, but breaches remain a concern (Reba et al., 2020).

Furthermore, the absence of physical interaction can impede comprehensive assessments. Some clinical signs require hands-on examination, which cannot be conveyed through video or remote readings, risking misdiagnosis or oversight (Demiris & Khansari, 2018). Technological barriers also exist; patients unfamiliar with digital tools or lacking reliable internet access may experience disparities in care quality (Liu et al., 2021). For nurses, the shift to remote care necessitates new competencies and ongoing training, which may pose challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving technology (Miller et al., 2019).

Ethical and Legal Considerations

Ethically, nurses must uphold principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice in telenursing. Ensuring informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and recognizing the limits of remote assessments are paramount (American Nurses Association, 2015). Legally, compliance with regulations governing electronic health records, data security, and telehealth practice standards is mandatory. Nurses have a duty to stay informed about evolving legal frameworks to mitigate legal liabilities associated with telehealth (Cason et al., 2020).

Personal Reflection and Career Alignment

From my perspective as an aspiring nurse, telenursing offers a compelling blend of innovation, patient-centered care, and flexibility. My current employment as a hospital nurse provides direct patient interaction, but I am increasingly interested in expanding my role into remote care. The ability to monitor patients continuously, educate them remotely, and support chronic disease management aligns with my goal of promoting preventative health and reducing hospital readmissions (Sinsky et al., 2020). However, I also recognize the importance of balancing technological proficiency with ethical vigilance—maintaining patient privacy while delivering high-quality care.

Considering my personal life and career trajectory, a job in telenursing could complement my goals by offering diverse experiences and the opportunity to serve broader populations. Nevertheless, I must pursue additional training in telehealth technologies, legal regulations, and cultural competencies to succeed in this field. The evolving landscape of healthcare demands adaptability, and I see telenursing as a potential avenue to extend my professional impact beyond traditional clinical settings.

Conclusion

In summary, telenursing presents a promising yet complex frontier in healthcare. Its advantages—enhanced access, efficiency, and patient engagement—must be balanced against challenges related to privacy, assessment accuracy, and technological disparities. As I evaluate my career path, I believe that integrating telenursing into my skill set could improve patient outcomes and offer personal professional fulfillment. While it aligns with my aspirations of advancing community health and leveraging technology, I remain attentive to the ethical and legal responsibilities involved. Ultimately, whether I pursue this specialty will depend on ongoing education, technological proficiency, and adaptation to an increasingly digital healthcare environment.

References

• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. American Nurses Association.
• American Telemedicine Association. (2020). Telehealth practice primer. ATA.
• Darkins, A., Ryan, P., Kobb, R., et al. (2017). Care delivery via telehealth in the rural VA: the clinical telehealth program. Telemedicine and e-Health, 23(10), 829-837.
• Cason, J., Harris, J., Fennell, J., et al. (2020). Legal considerations in telehealth: a review of the literature. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 26(11), 1373-1379.
• Hebda, T. (2013). Handbook of informatics for nurses & healthcare professionals. Pearson.
• Kao, C. C., Wu, H. C., & Lin, C. C. (2019). Data security issues in telehealth care. Journal of Medical Systems, 43(4), 87.
• Kelley, P. W., Kuden, N., & Murrain, S. (2019). Flexibility in nursing with telehealth work systems. Nursing Outlook, 67(4), 377-385.
• Liu, L., Li, J., & Zhang, L. (2021). Digital divide and health disparities in telemedicine. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 27(3), 203-210.
• Luo, L., Jiang, Y., & Xu, T. (2020). Patient satisfaction with telehealth services during COVID-19. Telemedicine and e-Health, 26(12), 1790-1795.
• Miller, M., Curtis, E., & Barnason, S. (2019). Nurse education and adaptation to telehealth practice. Journal of Nursing Education, 58(5), 272-278.
• Reba, M., McManus, J., & Curnow, S. (2020). Data privacy challenges in telehealth: a systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(8), e19292.
• Radhakrishnan, K., Zhao, Y., & Wang, Z. (2021). Impact of telehealth on healthcare resource utilization. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 150, 104440.
• Sinsky, C., et al. (2020). From frazzled to fulfilled: How digital health can improve physician work life. Annals of Family Medicine, 18(2), 159-163.
• Whitehead, L., Seaton, P., & Ross, L. (2016). Telehealth and patient satisfaction: a review of evidence. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 22(4), 242-250.