Design, implementation, and evaluation of population-specific telehealth nursing services.

An implementation project was conducted to introduce a structure for telehealth nursing practice (TNP) which would address the specific needs of complex endocrinology patients in a hospital-based clinic. Outcomes of the pilot study include analysis of 727 advice calls, survey responses from a sample of 101 patients, and feedback from 9 providers. Results support current evidence that disease management needs of chronically ill patients include prescription refills, medication and symptom management, lab results, and patient education. 81.2% of patients rated satisfaction with telehealth nursing services as very high or high. A statistically significant relationship was found between timeliness of response and patient satisfaction. A focus on care coordination provided through telehealth nursing services may emerge as an important element in the care of chronically ill patient populations.