The Journal for Nurse Practitioners
Volume 6, Issue 2 , Pages 98-106, February 2010

Telehealth and Telenursing Are Live: APN Policy and Practice Implications

  • Loretta Schlachta-Fairchild

      Affiliations

    • Loretta Schlachta-Fairchild, RN, PhD, FACHE, LTC(ret), AN, is president and CEO of iTelehealth Inc. in Frederick, MD, and the chair of the International Council of Nurses Telenursing Network Advisory Board
    • ,
  • Shainy B. Varghese

      Affiliations

    • Shainy B. Varghese, PhD, RN, CPNP, is an assistant professor of nursing at the University of Houston's Victoria-Sugar Land Campus.
    • ,
  • Andrea Deickman

      Affiliations

    • Andrea Deickman, RN, MSN, is senior associate at iTelehealth Inc.
    • ,
  • Diane Castelli

      Affiliations

    • Diane Castelli, RN, MS, MSN, is director of training for AMD Global Telemedicine Inc, in North Chelmsford, MA.

Abstract 

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are currently leaders in telenursing practice, and should be aware of important policy issues to further advance the use of telehealth by APNs. Key issues such as technology selection and implementation principles, interstate licensure, malpractice, and telehealth reimbursement are important to further advancing telenursing. In addition, evidence-based strategies for demonstrating caring using technology in patient interactions are key for advancing the use of telenursing in APN practice. Finally, APNs should be aware of how telenursing can impact the nursing shortage in the United States, providing access to care irrespective of geographic location of provider and patients.

Keywords:  telehealth , telehealth policy , telemedicine , telenursing , telenursing reimbursement

 

 This continuing education activity is designed to augment the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of nurses and nurse practitioners and thus increase the quality of their care.In compliance with national ethical guidelines, the authors, reviewers, and editors report no relationships with business or industry that would pose a conflict of interest. The authors do not present any off-label or non-FDA-approved recommendations for treatment. There is no implied endorsement by NPA, MNA, or ANCC of any commercial products mentioned in the article.

PII: S1555-4155(09)00658-8

doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2009.10.019

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners
Volume 6, Issue 2 , Pages 98-106, February 2010

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