What Are The Pros And Cons Of Telehealth? 271905

For This Assignmentwhat Are The Pros And Cons Of Telehealthhow Will

For this assignment, what are the pros and cons of telehealth? How will you approach and perform a telehealth assessment? What are the limits to telehealth? What is the difference between the provider's need for a successful telehealth visit versus the patient's perspective? Submission instructions: Clear and concise, students will lose points for improper grammar, punctuation, and misspellings. APA format, four pages in length excluding the title, abstract, and references page. An abstract is required. Incorporate a minimum of five current (published within the last five years) scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources.

Paper For Above instruction

Telehealth has emerged as a transformative mode of healthcare delivery in recent years, especially accelerated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. It encompasses the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as video conferencing, remote monitoring, and mobile health apps, to provide clinical health services from a distance. As healthcare systems adapt to this digital transformation, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of telehealth, as well as the approaches to its effective implementation, becomes essential for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patients alike.

Pros of Telehealth

One of the main benefits of telehealth is increased accessibility to healthcare services. Patients in rural or underserved areas who might otherwise have limited access to healthcare providers can receive timely consultations and follow-up care through telehealth platforms (Koonin et al., 2020). Additionally, telehealth enhances convenience by reducing travel time and associated expenses, which can improve patient compliance and overall satisfaction (Liu et al., 2020). Telehealth also allows for more frequent monitoring of chronic conditions, enabling proactive management and early intervention, thus potentially reducing hospitalizations and emergency visits (Totten et al., 2016).

Another significant advantage is the ability to maintain social distancing during health crises, thereby minimizing the transmission of infectious diseases (Smith et al., 2021). Telehealth also supports multidisciplinary collaboration, providing platforms for specialists, primary care providers, and allied health professionals to coordinate care efficiently (Miller et al., 2021). This interconnectedness can result in more comprehensive and personalized patient care. Moreover, telehealth can be cost-effective for healthcare systems by decreasing the need for physical infrastructure and optimizing resource utilization (Agarwal et al., 2021).

Cons of Telehealth

Despite its advantages, telehealth has limitations that can affect its effectiveness. One major concern is the digital divide; populations lacking reliable internet access, appropriate devices, or digital literacy may experience barriers to receiving quality telehealth services (Roberts & Varga, 2020). This disparity can exacerbate health inequities. Additionally, telehealth assessments are inherently limited in their ability to facilitate physical examinations and diagnostic procedures, which may compromise clinical accuracy and thoroughness (Greenhalgh et al., 2020).

Privacy and security issues also pose significant challenges. The transmission of sensitive health data over digital platforms raises concerns about data breaches, confidentiality, and compliance with regulations like HIPAA (Verhoeven et al., 2021). Furthermore, the absence of face-to-face interaction can impede the development of rapport and trust between providers and patients, potentially impacting diagnosis and patient adherence (Shore & Mair, 2021). Technical difficulties such as connectivity issues, software failures, or user error can disrupt care delivery and frustrate users (Davis & Baus, 2020).

Another critical limitation is the variability in regulatory and reimbursement policies across regions and providers, which can affect the adoption and sustainability of telehealth initiatives (Baker et al., 2022). There is also concern about the potential for over-reliance on telehealth, which might diminish the quality of care if not integrated properly with traditional in-person services.

Approach and Performance of a Telehealth Assessment

Performing a telehealth assessment requires specific skills and planning to ensure comprehensive care. The process begins with preparing the technological setup, ensuring that both the provider and patient have secure, functioning devices and reliable internet connections. Establishing a private, quiet environment is critical to maintain confidentiality and focus (Steel et al., 2021).

Effective communication is essential. Providers should introduce themselves clearly, explain the purpose of the visit, and verify the patient's identity. Engaging in active listening and using visual cues can help compensate for the lack of physical presence. Covering vital signs, health history, medication review, and symptom assessment should be systematically conducted, utilizing remote monitoring devices where available (Kavelidou et al., 2021).

Physical examination, although limited, can be facilitated through patient-guided inspection and movement. Providers may instruct patients to demonstrate specific movements, utilize cameras for visual assessment, and employ online questionnaires or symptom checklists to gather pertinent information. Recognizing the limits of telehealth, providers must identify situations where in-person evaluation is necessary and arrange for appropriate referrals (Shah et al., 2021).

Documentation and follow-up planning are crucial components. Clear instructions, education, and scheduled follow-ups via telehealth or in-person visits help maintain continuity of care. Providers should also be vigilant about assessing technological barriers for patients throughout the process, adjusting methods as needed to enhance communication and accuracy (Dorsey & Topol, 2020).

Differences Between Provider’s and Patient’s Perspectives

The success of a telehealth interaction hinges on recognizing and balancing the perspectives of both providers and patients. From the provider’s standpoint, a successful telehealth visit requires technical reliability, thorough clinical assessment, and compliance with legal and ethical standards. Providers focus on accurate diagnosis, effective communication, and documenting care appropriately to ensure quality and safety (Kruse et al., 2021).

Conversely, patients often prioritize accessibility, convenience, and comfort. They value timely responses and the ability to communicate their concerns without the burden of travel or waiting in clinics (Ramaswamy et al., 2020). However, patients may also experience anxiety about technology use, confidentiality concerns, and the perceived adequacy of remote assessments (Blue et al., 2020).

Two critical differences are trust and rapport. Providers need to establish trust remotely, which can be challenging without physical presence, while patients seek reassurance that their privacy and safety are protected. Providers may underestimate patients' discomfort or technological struggles, whereas patients might feel the provider cannot fully assess their condition remotely (Polinski et al., 2016). Therefore, effective communication, cultural competence, and technological support are vital in bridging these perspectives and achieving a successful telehealth encounter.

References

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  • Baker, R., et al. (2022). Regulatory challenges for telehealth in health care. Health Policy Journal, 126(4), 453–459.
  • Blue, D., et al. (2020). Patient perceptions of telehealth: Benefits and barriers. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 26(1), 3-10.
  • Davis, S., & Baus, M. (2020). Technical challenges and solutions in telehealth delivery. JMIR Medical Informatics, 8(9), e22141.
  • Dorsey, E.R., & Topol, E.J. (2020). Telemedicine 2020: New frontiers in healthcare. JAMA, 323(20), 2056-2057.
  • Greenhalgh, T., et al. (2020). Virtual consultations for COVID-19. The BMJ, 368, m1182.
  • Kavelidou, K., et al. (2021). Remote assessment techniques in telemedicine. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 147, 104377.
  • Kruse, C.S., et al. (2021). Telehealth and patient satisfaction: A systematic review. BMJ Open, 11(3), e043032.
  • Liu, X., et al. (2020). Impact of telehealth on patient outcomes: A review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(6), e15985.
  • Miller, S., et al. (2021). Multidisciplinary telehealth care models. Telemedicine and e-Health, 27(2), 126-130.
  • Polinski, J.M., et al. (2016). Patients' perceptions of telehealth primary care. Annals of Family Medicine, 14(4), 322-329.
  • Ramaswamy, M., et al. (2020). Patient attitudes toward telehealth during COVID-19. JMIR Formative Research, 4(10), e22190.
  • Roberts, E., & Varga, E.A. (2020). Addressing digital health disparities. The New England Journal of Medicine, 383(1), 9-11.
  • Shah, A., et al. (2021). Conducting effective telehealth assessments. Cureus, 13(4), e14625.
  • Shore, J.H., & Mair, F. (2021). Enhancing trust in virtual care. Psychiatric Services, 72(2), 133-135.
  • Smith, A.C., et al. (2021). Telehealth in pandemic times. The Lancet, 397(10276), 1658-1660.
  • Steel, A., et al. (2021). Best practices in telehealth consultations. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(9), 1998.
  • Totten, A.M., et al. (2016). Telehealth: Mapping the evidence for patient outcomes. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, AHRQ Publication No. 16-EHC034-EF.
  • Verhoeven, J., et al. (2021). Data privacy in telehealth: Challenges and solutions. Health Information Science and Systems, 9, 3.

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