impact of telehealth use in health institutions
Hello Kristy,
Thank you for the informative post on the impact of telehealth use in health institutions. I agree that telehealth has improved the delivery of health services, especially in remote areas. Clients can seek services at the comfort of their homes, thus improving the health outcomes of all citizens. It also allows clinicians to consult with experts without necessarily referring the patient due to the complexity of their care needs. Telehealth is critical in providing quality care because it fosters patient-centered care due to improved timeliness of care (Stowe, & Harding, 2016). The accessibility of patient information by health workers has been eased. As you stated, decision-making and staffing levels have been addressed as most people prefer seeking services via telehealth devices.
Regarding the issue of older people, I am sure that with proper explanation and understanding, they would appreciate the use of electronic communication system to seek medical services. Due to their old age, they get tired easily, prone to falls, and increased comorbidities. Therefore, it would be a great achievement if the aged can access health services at the comfort of their homes and at any time of the day.
References
Stowe, S., & Harding, S. (2016). Telecare, telehealth, and telemedicine. European Geriatric Medicine, 1(3), 193-197.Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1878764910001087
Karyn Boyd,
Patient care pathways promote organized healthcare delivery based on evidence and are critical management tools. These clinical pathways are used in standardizing patient care and avoiding variance among patient care delivered by different health professionals. It aims at improving coordination, quality of care, and patient satisfaction, thus enhancing safety, efficiency, and quality health outcomes (Kitchiner, Davidson, & Bundred, 2016). I also support that, the standard care pathways enable health professionals to practice within the scope, and directs the legal consideration taken in case there is a bridge. Health professionals are expected to adhere to the different pathways as they vary depending on the areas of practice.
Health care pathways are critical in quality improvement initiatives of an organization. Assessing compliance in standardized interventions will help identify areas that need to be improved. Integrating evidence-based approaches in patient care will ensure that up-to-date care is provided, and all caregivers comply with institutional standards and policies.
References
Kitchiner, D., Davidson, C., & Bundred, P. (2016). Integrated care pathways: effective tools for continuous evaluation of clinical practice. Journal of evaluation in clinical practice, 2(1), 65-69. Retrieved from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2753.1996.tb00028.x
Elizabeth Kroll,
The organizations structural standards are there to ensure safe and quality provision of care. Based on the examples provided in your post, it is evident that response of caregivers to patient needs is closely monitored. The legal auditing of structural standards helps ensure that the work environment enhances patient comfort and prevent further harm to patients (Brand, Ibrahim, Cameron, & Scott, 2018). The structural measure in an organization ensures a sense of capacity for health consumers. Assessing the utilization of health recording system or order entries enable the organization plan for further adjustment. Nurse-patient ratios determine the outcome of care as it directly influences the effort and time spending in addressing individual patient needs. The standards of every organization vary, and the extent to which structural measures are put in place, affect the patient flow and staff satisfaction. No one will be willing to work in an organization where their careers are negatively influenced, and goal accomplishment is a tiresome task. I would suggest that the licensing and accrediting bodies to work closely with health providers and patient advocates to ensure that all aspects of care are addressed effectively.
References
Brand, C. A., Ibrahim, J. E., Cameron, P. A., & Scott, I. A. (2018). Standards for health care: a necessary but unknown quantity. Medical Journal of Australia, 189(5), 257-260.Retrieved from: https://www.mja.com.au/system/files/issues/189_05_010908/bra10131_fm.pdf
Kara Kryger,
I agree that the use of electronic health record systems improves the outcome of care. In case of emergencies, for example, an RTA, it would be difficult to acquire patient information. With the use of EHR, tracing of patient information would be easy across the health system, while enabling access to patients’ baseline data in addressing deviations (Bieber, Richards, & Walker, 2015). Health professionals can access patient information wherever they are using electronic health devices provided in the hospital, such as tablets. In theatres, we have witnessed the use of EHR in obtaining patient results from the labs, following patient care, and implementing advanced care to post-op patients. Patients are also able to follow-up their care as it promotes transparency. All health organizations should incorporate the use of HER not only in Coding and billing processes but also in all health departments.
References
Bieber, E. J., Richards, F. M., & Walker, J. M. (2015). Implementing an electronic health record system. Springer. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2Fb138849