Nursing in the Digital Age: Harnessing telemedicine for enhanced patient care

Clement David-Olawade, Aanuoluwapo; Olawade, David B.; Ojo, Iyanuoluwa O.; Famujimi, Motunrayo E.; Olawumi, Temitope T.; Esan, Deborah T.

Abstract

Background
Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative force in contemporary healthcare, reshaping nursing practice across various specialties. This narrative review explored the role, challenges, and ethical considerations associated with telemedicine in nursing practice. Also, it emphasizes telemedicine’s impact on patient care, the evolution of nursing workflows, and future directions for implementation.

Method
A comprehensive narrative review was conducted, drawing upon primary research articles, systematic reviews, and policy documents published between 2010 and 2023. The search was carried out using electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, and Google Scholar, employing keywords such as "telemedicine," "nursing practice," "patient care," and "ethical considerations." Eligible studies were critically appraised for relevance and rigor. Data synthesis included the identification of key themes, trends, and exemplary instances of telemedicine utilization in nursing practice.

Results
The review revealed a multifaceted role of telemedicine in nursing practice. Teletriage and remote patient monitoring were instrumental in reducing emergency department overcrowding and improving patient triage accuracy. Teleconsultations and virtual visits facilitated patient-provider interactions, while telepsychiatry addressed the growing demand for mental health support. Tele-education emerged as a vital tool for ongoing professional development among nurses. Moreover, telemedicine effectively reached rural and underserved populations, addressing healthcare disparities. Ethical considerations, such as patient privacy, informed consent, and data security, emerged as significant challenges in telemedicine.

Conclusions
As telemedicine continues to evolve, nurses should remain adaptable, actively engaging with emerging technologies and interdisciplinary teams. Furthermore, healthcare organizations, policymakers, and nursing associations/regulatory bodies should collaborate to establish clear ethical and legal guidelines. These efforts will ensure the continued growth of telemedicine in nursing practice, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and expanding access to quality healthcare services.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 25, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Aug 13, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 10, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 10, 2024
• Journal: Informatics and Health
• Electronic ISSN: 2949-9534
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 1
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 100-110
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infoh.2024.07.003