Nursing Infomatics-Tele-Nursing - 2236 Words

Introduction Tele-nursing is the use of telecommunications technology such as videos, computers and tele-monitoring technologies to provide nursing care and advice at a distance. This growing technology offers many advantages in the delivery of healthcare information, disease monitoring, health promotion and disease prevention services, as well as nursing diagnosis, treatment and education to patient at home from a centralized location. Tele-nursing can be instrumental in helping patients and families to be active participants in their care, particularly in the self-management of chronic illness such as congestive heart failure. It is a service that is currently offered by a growing number of hospitals and health maintenance†¦show more content†¦There was 50% readmission rate within 6months of being discharged. The main reason for readmission was failure of the patient to identify warning signs of heart failure exacerbation such as shortness of breath and weight gain. The researchers used a 24hrs health information line called Vitaline to the patients to reinforce education received in the hospital on discharge. Through Vitaline 854 CHF admission between 2002 to 2005 dropped to 200 at the completion of the program. The cost of care was also analyzed and it resulted in a 57% reduction in cost due to a decrease in the length of stay. In closing the program has shown excellent outcomes using the limited, though expert, resources. The research is relevant to tele-nursing as it shows that patients care can continue outside the walls of a hospital or nursing home and that there can be a reduction in the readmission of chronically ill patient. Resource 3 Hutcherson, C. (2001). Legal Considerations for Nurses Practicing in a Telehealth Setting. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. 6,(3), 3. Retrieved August 3, 2008 from www: nursingworld.org/ojin The author Carolyn Hutcherson , RN, MS, specializes in health care regulatory issues with special emphasis on licensure and credentialing, telehealth and e-health. She examines the complexity of the legal and regulatory bodies to understand and