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.

This project aims to answer this question:

• What are the roles nurses play in telehealth delivery, the challenges they encounter, and the potential benefits of telehealth for both residents and staff?

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