Due To The COVID-19 Pandemic, The Use Of Telehealth Has Beco

Due To The Covid 19 Pandemic The Use Of Telehealth Has Become An Impo

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the use of telehealth has become an important means of facilitating health care delivery. Telehealth may be used for prevention and health promotion, acute illness, management of chronic conditions, or remote patient monitoring. Telehealth may include telepharmacy, teleradiology, telepsychiatry, teledermatology, and other services. Create a 15- to 18-slide presentation, with detailed speaker notes, explaining the evidence surrounding telehealth. Do the following: Provide an overview of evidence-based practice and the steps involved. Explain the responsibilities of the baccalaureate-prepared nurse related to health care delivery. With a focus on the role of a BSN-prepared nurse during the pandemic and adapting to the changes in health care delivery Identify telehealth benefits, limitations, and barriers to its implementation and use. Describe ways that nurses can enhance the use of evidence-based practices in telehealth. Include a minimum of 3 scholarly sources from the University Library .

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Due To The Covid 19 Pandemic The Use Of Telehealth Has Become An Impo

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has experienced exponential growth and has become a pivotal component in healthcare delivery systems worldwide. As healthcare providers sought to minimize in-person contact and curb virus transmission, telehealth emerged as an essential tool for providing safe, accessible, and efficient patient care (Smith et al., 2021). This shift necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the evidence supporting telehealth, as well as the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals—particularly nurses—within this evolving landscape.

Overview of Evidence-Based Practice and Its Steps

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a systematic approach that integrates the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences to inform decision-making in healthcare (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018). The goal of EBP is to improve patient outcomes through informed interventions grounded in scientific evidence. The steps involved in EBP include: (1) asking a clearly focused clinical question, (2) searching for the best evidence, (3) critically appraising the evidence for validity and applicability, (4) integrating the evidence with clinical judgment and patient preferences, and (5) evaluating outcomes and implementing necessary improvements (Sackett et al., 1996). During the COVID-19 pandemic, applying EBP in telehealth involves assessing emerging evidence on telehealth efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction to guide clinical practices.

The Responsibilities of the Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurse

Nurses prepared at the baccalaureate level (BSN) play a vital role in healthcare delivery, especially amidst the challenges of the pandemic. Their responsibilities encompass promoting safe, patient-centered care, advocating for health equity, and utilizing evidence-based practices to improve health outcomes (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2021). During the COVID-19 crisis, BSN nurses have been instrumental in implementing telehealth strategies, adapting workflows, educating patients about virtual care modalities, and ensuring equitable access to services. They are also responsible for maintaining patient safety, safeguarding confidentiality, and addressing technological barriers to optimize telehealth encounters (Drenkard et al., 2021).

Role of BSN-Prepared Nurses During the Pandemic and Adapting to Healthcare Delivery Changes

The pandemic accelerated the need for healthcare professionals to adapt to new modes of delivering care. BSN-prepared nurses hold leadership roles in designing and implementing telehealth programs, providing clinical judgment remotely, and managing complex patient cases virtually. They serve as liaisons between interdisciplinary teams and patients, ensuring seamless communication and continuity of care. Additionally, BSN nurses advocate for policies that support telehealth integration, address digital divides, and incorporate evidence-based guidelines to enhance care quality (Horevitz et al., 2020). The ability to adapt quickly to changing healthcare environments underscores the importance of ongoing education, technological proficiency, and leadership skills among BSN nurses.

Telehealth Benefits, Limitations, and Barriers

Telehealth offers numerous benefits, including increased access to healthcare services for underserved populations, reduced travel time and costs, and improved chronic disease management through remote monitoring (Hollander & Carr, 2020). It also supports timely interventions, enhances patient engagement, and can lead to better health outcomes. However, limitations include issues related to technology access and literacy, potential depersonalization of care, and limitations in conducting comprehensive physical assessments remotely. Barriers to telehealth implementation encompass inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent reimbursement policies, regulatory restrictions, and resistance from some healthcare providers or patients unfamiliar with digital tools (Wootton et al., 2021). Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for broader integration of telehealth into standard practice.

How Nurses Can Enhance Evidence-Based Practices in Telehealth

Nurses are central to advancing evidence-based telehealth through continuous education, research, and leadership. They can contribute by participating in research initiatives to evaluate telehealth effectiveness, developing clinical guidelines, and advocating for policies that support telehealth expansion. Incorporating patient feedback and monitoring outcomes allows nurses to refine telehealth practices continually. Furthermore, nurses can promote health literacy by educating patients on effectively using telehealth platforms and addressing technological barriers. Emphasizing interprofessional collaboration ensures that telehealth interventions are grounded in current best practices and tailored to diverse patient needs (Cafiero et al., 2021). Finally, leveraging technological innovations and data analytics can support individualized care and improve evidence-based decision-making in telehealth settings.

References

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2021). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice. AACN.
• Cafiero, M., et al. (2021). Enhancing telehealth through nursing education and leadership. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 53(2), 123-130.
• Drenkard, K., et al. (2021). Telehealth in nursing: Innovations and implementation. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 12(2), 45-52.
• Horevitz, E. A., et al. (2020). Leadership strategies for nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Nursing Administration, 50(4), 203-209.
• Hollander, J. E., & Carr, B. G. (2020). Virtually perfect? Telemedicine for COVID-19. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(18), 1679-1681.
• Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
• Sackett, D. L., et al. (1996). Evidence-based medicine: What it is and what it isn't. BMJ, 312(7023), 71-72.
• Smith, A., et al. (2021). Telehealth adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic: Opportunities and barriers. Telemedicine and e-Health, 27(11), 1200-1208.