Telehealth advancing nursing practice

The pressures to contain health care, including the early discharge of patients, combined with the closing of many home care health agencies, create higher demands for home health care at a time when such care is rapidly becoming less available. Telemedicine technology may help to close the gap between demand and availability of home health care services. It also may open opportunities for the work of community health nurses and advanced practice nurses and reduce costs. The increased use of telecommunication to deliver services raises questions of the effectiveness of services to patients, cost of care, professional licensure, and reimbursement and liability issues. Presented here is a brief historical perspective on the functions of the technology, potential barriers to implementation, and possible uses in nursing caregiving. Rather than being a substitute, telemedicine technology complements the existing health care network, bringing services to persons who otherwise might not receive care. By increasing our patientsʹ options and expand-ing their access to health care, home health and advanced practice nurses act as patient advocates.