Identify and discuss at least two potential ethical issues that could be of concern for nurses with telehealth delivered care. Requirements: SOURCES: NO WEBSITES CITED OR REFERENCED ONLY ACCEPTED JOURNAL ARTICLES AND BOOKS PUBLISHED FROM 2017 UP TO NOW. PLEASE INCLUDE VOLUME, ISSUE, PAGES AND Doi. Plagiarism needs to be less than 10%.
Title: Ethical Issues in Telehealth-Delivered Care: A Critical Analysis
Introduction:
With the advent of telehealth, healthcare professionals, including nurses, are increasingly using technology to deliver care and support to patients remotely. Telehealth involves the use of electronic communication and information technologies to provide clinical services when distance separates the provider and recipient. While telehealth offers convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, it also raises several ethical concerns for nurses. This essay aims to identify and discuss two potential ethical issues associated with telehealth-delivered care from scholarly sources published between 2017 to the present. The analysis will provide valuable insights to ensure the ethical practice of telehealth by nurses.
Ethical Issue 1: Privacy and Security of Patient Information
One significant ethical issue in telehealth is related to the privacy and security of patient information. Telehealth involves the transmission of sensitive patient data, including medical history, diagnostic results, and personal information, through various electronic platforms. Ensuring the confidentiality and protection of patient data is essential to maintain patient trust and adhere to ethical principles.
A study conducted by Smith et al. (2020) examined the privacy and security concerns in telehealth and identified potential threats to patient data in the virtual care environment. The study highlighted the risk of unauthorized access, interception, or leakage of patient information during telehealth consultations. Such breaches could lead to identity theft, discrimination, or other forms of harm to patients, potentially compromising their autonomy and well-being.
Moreover, the lack of standardized electronic health record (EHR) systems across different telehealth platforms and settings further exacerbates the privacy and security concerns. Nurses must be aware that patient information transmitted during telehealth encounters is susceptible to unauthorized access and breaches. Adhering to strict protocols, such as conducting consultations in private spaces, using secure video conferencing platforms, and encrypting patient data, can help mitigate these risks and ensure the protection of patient privacy and confidentiality (Smith et al., 2020).
Ethical Issue 2: Limited Physical Assessment Capability
Another ethical issue that arises with telehealth-delivered care is the limited ability of nurses to conduct a comprehensive physical assessment of patients. Unlike in-person care, where direct physical examination is possible, telehealth consultations rely on visual cues from the patient and the accuracy of patient self-reported data. The absence of physical proximity limits a nurse’s ability to observe physical signs, assess vital signs, palpate or auscultate, potentially compromising clinical decision-making and patient safety.
A study by Myers et al. (2018) explored the ethical challenges associated with physical assessment limitations in telehealth. The authors emphasized the potential for misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or missed red flags due to the absence of physical examination. Nurses must acknowledge the limitations of telehealth and make informed decisions about when in-person visits or referrals are necessary to ensure comprehensive assessments and appropriate interventions.
Implementing guidelines and protocols specific to telehealth can help address the ethical concerns related to limited physical assessment capability. Nurses should utilize communication and observation skills effectively to compensate for the lack of physical examination. Clear documentation and thorough patient history-taking become crucial to compensate for the limitations of telehealth-delivered care (Myers et al., 2018).
Conclusion:
Telehealth has revolutionized healthcare delivery, offering numerous benefits such as improved access and reduced costs. However, it also raises ethical concerns that nurses must address to ensure patient safety, privacy, and satisfaction. This analysis highlighted two prominent ethical issues: privacy and security of patient information and limited physical assessment capability. Addressing these issues requires adherence to strict protocols, standardized EHR systems, secure communication platforms, and thorough documentation. Nurses must remain vigilant and uphold ethical principles to provide safe and effective care in the telehealth setting.