Knowing, Caring, and Telehealth Technology

Abstract

The use of technology in delivery of health care services is rapidly increasing, and more nurses are using telehealth to provide care by distance to persons with complex health challenges. The rapid uptake of telehealth modalities and dynamic evolution of technologies has outpaced the generation of empirical knowledge to support nursing practice in this emerging field, specifically in relation to how nurses come to know the person and engage in holistic care in a virtual environment. Knowing the person and nursing care have historically been associated with physical presence and close proximity in the nurse-client relationship, and the use of telehealth can limit the ways in which a nurse can observe the person, potentiate perceptions of distance, and lead to a reductionist perspective in care. The purpose of this article is to illuminate the dynamic and evolving nature of nursing practice in relation to the use of telehealth and to highlight gaps in nursing knowledge specific to knowing the person in a virtual environment. Such an understanding is necessary to inform future research and generate empirical evidence to support nurses in providing ethical, safe, effective, and holistic care by distance to persons through telehealth technology.

Evaluating a simulation-based telecare training program for home healthcare professionals: A trainee perspective

“…The fact that trainees did not reflect on technical competencies as a learning outcome could imply that this aspect of knowing how to conduct virtual visits is not an immediate concern, with the focus instead on adaptation and application of traditional nursing competencies such as clinical procedural and communicative skills, as noted by Nagel and colleagues. [7] Limitations This study has some limitations. As it is a small-scale study, the results should be interpreted with some caution.…”

“…[2] The implementation of telecare services therefore necessitates formal training for staff to facilitate adaptation of traditional home healthcare practices and encourage safe and appropriate care processes. [3][4][5][6][7][8] Little research has however been done on what type of training is suited to telecare practice and how best to provide this training. [9] There is some indication, though, that simulationbased training may be useful in preparation for telecare prac-tice, particularly in undergraduate nursing education.…”

Exploring Islamic Based Caring Practice in Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study

“…It would help them feel a connectedness with the nurses. Having a supportive relationship when caring for the patients and their families based on the presence, has shown a positive influence on the nurses-patients relationship (Nagel, Pomerleau, & Penner, 2013).…”

Behind the Screen: –Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to Treat Depressive Symptoms in Persons with Heart Failure

“…ICBT challenges the traditional view of the caring relationship, as this is dependent on the physical presence of nurses and patients [183]. Methods and experiences from a predominantly face-to-face based healthcare system may not be possible to transfer to ICBT and other similar forms of telehealth.…”

“…Lately, there has been a shift towards telehealth [183] and selfcare [184] within the professional healthcare system. However, this shift may not have been fully adopted by the users of health services [185].…”