Michelle Honey1, Jane Wright2. 1. a School of Nursing , University of Auckland , Private Bag 92019, Auckland , 1142 , New Zealand. 2. b Oncology Nurse Specialist & Breast Care Nurse, Ashburton & Rural Health Services , Canterbury District Health Board , New Zealand.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The widespread use of telehealth brings benefits to improve access to healthcare for rural and remote populations. OBJECTIVE: This study explores what nurses considered important to confidently and competently participate in telehealth. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative approach was selected. METHODS: Nine New Zealand Registered Nurses who worked in different clinical settings who use telehealth were identified through snowball sampling, and participated in single semi-structured interviews, which were thematically analysed using a general inductive approach. FINDINGS: The nurses' experience of using telehealth, from novice to becoming more proficient, was the main theme identified, with sub-themes of: Initial use of telehealth, hands-on training, specialty experience, mentorship and technological know-how. The confidence of nurses using telehealth in this study may reflect their clinical nursing experience. CONCLUSION: Recommendations include the need for more telehealth education and preparation, including incorporating telehealth in under and postgraduate nursing programmes. Additionally, specific telehealth nursing competencies are warranted.
BACKGROUND: The widespread use of telehealth brings benefits to improve access to healthcare for rural and remote populations. OBJECTIVE: This study explores what nurses considered important to confidently and competently participate in telehealth. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative approach was selected. METHODS: Nine New Zealand Registered Nurses who worked in different clinical settings who use telehealth were identified through snowball sampling, and participated in single semi-structured interviews, which were thematically analysed using a general inductive approach. FINDINGS: The nurses' experience of using telehealth, from novice to becoming more proficient, was the main theme identified, with sub-themes of: Initial use of telehealth, hands-on training, specialty experience, mentorship and technological know-how. The confidence of nurses using telehealth in this study may reflect their clinical nursing experience. CONCLUSION: Recommendations include the need for more telehealth education and preparation, including incorporating telehealth in under and postgraduate nursing programmes. Additionally, specific telehealth nursing competencies are warranted.
Keywords:
New Zealand; healthcare; nurse; telehealth
Authors: Pedro Parreira; Paulo Santos-Costa; João Graveto; Paulo Alexandre Ferreira; Anabela Salgueiro-Oliveira; Liliana B Sousa; Rafael A Bernardes; Beatriz Serambeque; Lisete Mónico; Marija Milavec Kapun; Tina Gogova; Pirjo Vesa; Hilde Vandenhoudt; Dorine Nevelsteen; Raija Kokko Journal: Heliyon Date: 2021-02-02