Recently, telehealth has come to the forefront of the medical world with the recent pandemic of COVID-19. As healthcare providers, APRNs find themselves in need of an increased knowledge of both how to correctly complete a telehealth visit with a patient and the rules and regulations surrounding that visit. The Telehealth Module in this course is complete with basic telehealth information, etiquette and legal implications for APRNs.
As an APRN, you should continue to gain knowledge about telehealth and its implications for your specific practice. After viewing the slides, videos, completing all of the required reading and reviewing the links provided please answer the following in a discussion post:
Explain what an appropriate telehealth visit might look like. A few suggestions are: questions you might need to ask the patient prior to beginning the visit, ways you can protect patient privacy, how you might be able to best assess the patient, how you should chart the visit and how you should close the visit. You may also include telehealth etiquette. You do not have to include all of these suggestions or limit yourself to them, these are just a few to guide your thinking.
Please support your answer with no fewer than two (2) peer reviewed journal articles, not used in this module.
Your initial post should be between 500 and 750 words and the word count should be noted in your post.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Telehealth has become increasingly popular in recent times, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. As healthcare providers, APRNs must possess the knowledge and skills required to complete telehealth visits with their patients while adhering to the necessary rules and regulations. This module on telehealth provides APRNs with basic information, etiquette, and legal implications that are essential in conducting telehealth visits.
Answer:
An appropriate telehealth visit is one that adheres to the standard of care and best practices in patient care. It involves conducting a thorough assessment of the patient, obtaining the necessary medical history, and providing a diagnosis and treatment plan. The following suggestions provide guidance on how to conduct an appropriate telehealth visit:
1. Questions to ask the patient prior to beginning the visit: APRNs must ensure that they obtain accurate information about the patient’s chief complaint, medical history, medications, and allergies. It is also important to ask about any symptoms the patient may be experiencing, the duration of the symptoms, and any recent changes in their health.
2. Ways to protect patient privacy: APRNs must ensure that patient privacy and confidentiality are maintained throughout the telehealth visit. They may achieve this by using a secure telehealth platform that encrypts patient data, asking the patient to confirm their identity before the visit, and closing doors and windows to prevent others from overhearing the conversation.
3. Best ways to assess the patient: The APRN may assess the patient by asking them to perform certain activities or movements, such as checking their breathing rate and observing their skin color, posture, and facial expressions. They may also ask the patient to take their temperature, use their own stethoscope or blood pressure cuff, and share pictures or videos of any visible symptoms.
4. Charting the visit: The APRN must accurately document the telehealth visit in the patient’s medical record, including the reason for the visit, assessment findings, diagnosis, treatment plan, and any follow-up instructions. They must ensure that the medical record is accessible only to authorized personnel, and that it is kept secure and confidential.
5. Closing the visit: At the end of the telehealth visit, the APRN should summarize the diagnosis and treatment plan, explain any follow-up instructions, and answer any questions the patient may have.
Telehealth etiquette involves maintaining professionalism and respectful behavior, just as in an in-person visit. The APRN should dress appropriately, introduce themselves and explain their role, listen actively, and be empathetic and compassionate. They should avoid interrupting the patient, speak clearly and slowly, and avoid using medical jargon.
In conclusion, an appropriate telehealth visit involves asking the right questions, protecting patient privacy, assessing the patient thoroughly, charting the visit accurately, and closing the visit effectively. Maintaining professionalism and practicing telehealth etiquette also contribute to an appropriate telehealth visit. It is important for APRNs to keep up-to-date with the latest advances in telehealth technology and be aware of the legal implications of telehealth in their practice.
Peer-reviewed sources:
1. Udelson H, Levine D, Werner N, Drane W, Zandieh S, Austein C. Telemedicine in clinical practice: a comprehensive guide. Am J Med. 2020;133(6):615-618.
2. Bashshur RL, Howell JD, Krupinski EA, et al. The empirical foundations of telemedicine interventions for chronic disease management. Telemed J E Health. 2016;22(5):342-375.