Providers have long used telemedicine in rural long-term care (LTC) facilities to avoid hospitalizations, improve care coordination, and increase access to providers, especially on weekends or other times outside of regular business hours. Nurses play a crucial role in facilitating telehealth visits and caring for patients in LTC facilities, yet there is a notable lack of research specifically focused on their experiences and perspectives, especially in the United States. There is a significant gap in the literature regarding nurses' specific roles, challenges, and adaptations in implementing telehealth in LTC settings during and after COVID-19. This study will examine the role of nursing staff in the utilization of telehealth within LTC facilities through a literature review and interviews with nurses who work in LTC facilities. Interviews will be conducted with nurses in various roles in long-term care facility, such as nurses, nurse practitioners (NPs), and nurse managers.
Key Questions
- What are the roles nurses play in telehealth delivery, the challenges they encounter, and the potential benefits of telehealth for both residents and staff?
For more information, contact Laura Wagner, PhD, RN, FAAN