Achieving Patient Satisfaction: Utilizing Telehealth Via an Academic–Practice Partnership

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Academic–practice partnerships are a key component of the provision of innovative patient-centered care throughout a health care system. As consumers gain access to more health care options, patient satisfaction is becoming increasingly important. Patients’ satisfaction depends on their perception during utilization of health care services. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the project was to assess patients’ level of satisfaction with the utilization of a telehealth service to receive psychiatric-mental health care. STUDY DESIGN: The project used a quantitative survey research design comprising a sample of patients receiving treatment for a psychiatric-mental health disorder. Utilizing telehealth, trained nursing students assisted in the provision of follow-up mental health care to patients residing in a rural area. Participating patients completed the 10-item Telehealth Satisfaction Scale questionnaire on conclusion of the follow-up appointment. RESULTS: Questionnaire responses were scored on a 4-point Likert-type scale, with high scores indicating greater satisfaction. Item means ranged from 3.4 to 3.82. CONCLUSIONS: As a positive association was found between patient satisfaction and the utilization of telehealth as part of an academic–clinical partnership, results suggest that the project was a worthwhile innovative endeavor. The telehealth intervention proved to be a sufficient alternative method of in-person follow-up visits for patients receiving treatment for psychiatric-mental health disorders.

Human Connection and Technology Connectivity: A Systematic Review of Available Telehealth Survey Instruments

“…Table 2 provides a summary of respondent demographics according to telehealth survey instrument use. Telehealth survey instruments have primarily been used to assess patient experience (n=41, 91%) 23 , 24 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 with less frequent use to assess family caregiver (n=7, 16%) 28 , 34 , 37 , 40 , 65 , 66 or medical provider experience (n=8, 18%). 23 , 35 , 40 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 …”

Including administrators in curricular redesign: How the academic–practice relationship can bridge the practice–theory gap

“…Despite their limited presence in the theory–practice gap literature, health care administrators are present in the relevant body of knowledge related to academic–practice partnerships; ‘a recognized, purposeful relationship between an academic institution and a healthcare organization’ (Wynn, 2020, p.1). When implemented correctly, these partnerships can improve education, practice and evidence‐based innovation (Bvumbwe, 2016; Wynn, 2020). Furthermore, they may have a role to play in addressing the theory–practice gap.…”

“…One significant finding was that the participants wanted to develop and maintain a relationship with the FoN. By developing this relationship, the FoN and the practice setting leaders can work together to bridge the theory–practice gap through the sharing of expertise and evidence‐based practice (Bvumbwe, 2016; Wynn, 2020). Mutually beneficial partnerships can create optimal learning experiences for students, and these experiences can help reduce the theory–practice gap, decrease health care costs and improve the quality of education and patient safety (Benner, 2012; Lloyd‐Penza et al., 2019).…”

Collaborative development of an innovative virtual research recruitment strategy through an academic/clinical partnership

“…The model is based on a collaborative relationship between a nursing education program and a care setting with knowledge shared among partners conducting joint research ( AACN, 2012 ). The partnership helps to strengthen nursing practice, education, evidence-based practice, and research ( Albert et al, 2019 ; Wynn, 2021 ). The clinical partner, a free-standing Children's hospital, is not part of an academic medical center.…”