| Summary |
Telemedicine is currently experiencing a surge of popularity amidst other changes in health care delivery. Publications, speculation of potential cost savings and interest in health care innovations related to telemedicine are springing up everywhere; yet, explorations of the contributions and potential of nurses in telemedicine have been absent. Despite Internet reports, discussions, and the stated opinion of members in organizations such as International TeleNurses Association that indicated that nurses are involved with telemedicine, no description or systematic study of nursing roles within telemedicine have been reported The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify the roles, responsibilities and practices of nurses working in telehealth/telemedicine. A convenience sample of 130 individuals identified through phone, mail, and electronic media received a mailed questionnaire. Identical questions were also made available to sample subjects via the Internet. Using descriptive techniques, responses were summarized. The usable response rate for this study was 56%. A major finding was that in most instances, nurses are involved with patients receiving health care via telemedicine. In fact, only 20% of nurse respondents reported that there were some patients who do not see a nurse during the telemedicine process. This is significant considering that nurses have not been visible in the discussion of potential applications or as probable users of telemedicine. |
