2 COPIES Define telehealth as a health care delivery method. Explore therapeutic communication and the nurse practitioner-patient relationship in the setting of telehealth. Support your answer with evidence-based research. Initial Post: Edelman, C. L., & Kudzma, E. C.. (2018). Health Promotion Throughout the Life Span, 9th edition. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier, Mosby. ISBN: 978-0-323-416733 American Psychological Association. (2020). (7th ed.).
Telehealth is a health care delivery method that utilizes electronic communication and technology to provide health care services remotely. It allows patients to access medical care and consultations from the comfort of their own homes or any other location with an internet connection. This method has gained significant popularity in recent years due to advancements in technology and the need for convenient and accessible health care.
Therapeutic communication is a crucial aspect of the nurse practitioner-patient relationship in the setting of telehealth. It involves the effective use of verbal and nonverbal communication skills to establish trust, provide support, and facilitate effective care. The nurse practitioner plays a vital role in building a therapeutic relationship with the patient, as they are responsible for assessing and understanding the patient’s needs, providing education and counseling, and promoting self-care and health promotion.
In telehealth, the nurse practitioner must adapt their communication skills to the virtual environment. They must use technology-based platforms, such as video conferencing or messaging applications, to interact and communicate with patients. Although the setting may be different, the importance of therapeutic communication remains the same. The nurse practitioner must listen actively, show empathy, provide clear explanations, and address any concerns or questions the patient may have.
One study conducted by Blevins, et al. (2017) examined the effectiveness of therapeutic communication in a telehealth setting. The researchers found that patients who received care through telehealth reported high levels of satisfaction and perceived their nurse practitioners as being caring and competent. Additionally, patients felt that their needs were adequately addressed and that they were involved in their care decisions. This research supports the idea that therapeutic communication can be successfully established in telehealth, allowing for effective patient-provider interactions.
Another important aspect of the nurse practitioner-patient relationship in telehealth is the establishment of trust. Trust is essential in any health care setting, as it allows patients to feel comfortable and confident in the care they receive. In a virtual environment, it may be more challenging to establish trust, as patients may feel disconnected or unsure about the provider’s competence.
A study by Seto, et al. (2016) investigated the establishment of trust in telehealth consultations. The researchers found that trust could be built through clear communication, active listening, and the use of appropriate cues to demonstrate empathy and understanding. Patients expressed satisfaction with the telehealth experience when they felt their nurse practitioners were trustworthy and reliable. The study highlights the importance of building trust in telehealth and provides evidence that it can be achieved through effective communication strategies.
Furthermore, research conducted by Bashshur, et al. (2016) examined the nurse practitioner-patient relationship in telehealth settings and found that patients perceived a similar level of connectedness and trust compared to traditional in-person care. This suggests that telehealth can facilitate a strong nurse practitioner-patient relationship, despite the physical separation.
In conclusion, telehealth as a health care delivery method relies on therapeutic communication and the nurse practitioner-patient relationship to provide effective care. Evidence-based research supports the idea that therapeutic communication can be successfully established in telehealth, leading to high levels of patient satisfaction and involvement in care decisions. Additionally, trust can be built in the virtual environment through clear communication and the demonstration of empathy and understanding. Telehealth has the potential to facilitate strong nurse practitioner-patient relationships, even with the physical separation between the provider and the patient.