Bridging the Digital Divide in Healthcare: The Pivotal Role of Nurses in Expanding Telemedicine Access

November 8, 2023

Nurse-led telemedicine is critical for the success of outreach programs

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine became an essential way to see doctors without the risk of in-person visits and provide services to those who were immobile or homebound. While telemedicine was slowly making its way into mainstream healthcare, the pandemic accelerated the implementation to prevent the spread of the virus. Those changes became a standard as care providers continue to figure out how to deliver care to the patient outside of the hospital and clinic settings. However, the initial transition to telemedicine revealed significant hurdles, such as the 'digital divide'—the gap between those who have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who do not—cultural barriers, and a general reluctance to embrace new technology among certain patient populations.


“Advances in health care technology could potentially facilitate health equity by increasing access to care”


The belief that technological advancements in healthcare could be a lever for health equity fueled a comprehensive analysis by UW Health, the integrated health system of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their study, "Disparities in Telemedicine Access: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Newly Established Infrastructure during the COVID-19 Pandemic," examined the telemedicine engagement of nearly 200,000 patients. The goal was to discern usage patterns and pinpoint the barriers hindering effective telemedicine deployment.


Findings from the study highlighted that while some barriers were infrastructural and potentially required long-term solutions, others were more immediately addressable. These included a lack of familiarity with technological tools and resistance to adopting new methods, as well as physical constraints that limited patients' ability to visit healthcare facilities.


An innovative strategy proposed to mitigate these barriers involves deploying nurses equipped with "telemedicine kits" to patients' homes. These kits could serve as both educational tools and a means to facilitate care. By employing the EDGE (Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, and Enable) training method, reminiscent of the Boy Scouts' learning approach, nurses could foster understanding and confidence in using the technology. This method focuses on maintaining and building a personal connection between the patient and the care provider, offering a hands-on learning experience, and demystifying the technology with the hope of encouraging its adoption.


In summary, while telemedicine has the potential to democratize healthcare, it simultaneously poses a risk of exacerbating existing disparities if not implemented with care and consideration. The study underscores the necessity of concerted efforts across various sectors to ensure telemedicine's equitable distribution. Nurse-led initiatives that empower patients to accept and use telemedicine confidently represent a viable pathway forward. As we embrace an era where technology enables us to connect with patients more efficiently, it is essential to remember that the irreplaceable value of human touch and trust within the provider-patient relationship remains paramount.


DigiGone is a veteran-owned, service-disabled business based in Largo, Florida, providing custom, managed bandwidth solutions such as digiMedCrewChatdigiView, and digiChat in the maritime, oil and gas and mining industries. For more information visit digigone.com/telemedicine to request a demonstration. Or email us at info@digigone.com, or call at 1-727-544-2327.
 

*Vivian Hsiao, Thevaa Chandereng, Robin L. Lankton, Jeffrey A. Huebner, Jeffrey J. Baltus, Grace E. Flood, Shannon M. Dean, Amye J. Tevaarwerk, and David F. Schneider (2021)Disparities in Telemedicine Access: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Newly Established Infrastructure during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Appl Clin Inform. 2021 May; 12(3): 445–458.

Published online 2021 Jun 9. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1730026 Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8189758/ (Accessed: 11 November 2023).

**Image used from https://www.vcuhealth.org/-/media/media/featurednewsimages/rhwp-nurse.ashx

By Mike Dunleavy February 4, 2025
Telemedicine kits are becoming indispensable tools for home healthcare providers, particularly during transition care medical examinations (TCMs). While the initial TCM is conducted by a physician who generates revenue from the service, the telemedicine kit significantly benefits home healthcare providers by expediting patient registration for their care services. With a nurse or medical assistant deploying the kit, patients can be quickly evaluated and connected with a physician, ensuring all necessary documentation and approvals are completed more efficiently. This faster onboarding process allows home healthcare providers to register more patients in less time, helping them deliver care sooner and grow their services efficiently. The ability to “bring the doctor” to the patient through a telemedicine kit is invaluable in initiating care seamlessly. Once patients are on board, home healthcare providers can continue leveraging telemedicine technology to improve how they deliver services. The kits enable nurses and medical assistants to perform follow-up visits, diagnostics, and real-time consultations without requiring patients to leave their homes. This capability allows providers to optimize their schedules and visit more patients daily, all while maintaining a high standard of care. The efficiency gained means better coverage, smarter use of resources, and happier patients. Beyond efficiency, telemedicine kits help providers build stronger connections with their patients by making care more accessible and personalized. Providers can quickly respond to emerging health concerns, adjust care plans, and ensure ongoing monitoring—all from the patient’s home. This not only leads to better patient outcomes but also boosts the provider’s reputation for being reliable and innovative. By facilitating the registration of more patients and enhancing care once they are onboarded, telemedicine kits are powerful tools that enable home healthcare providers to expand their reach, improve operational efficiency, and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, telemedicine kits are revolutionizing how home healthcare providers deliver care, enabling faster patient onboarding, enhanced service delivery, and stronger connections with patients. By integrating this indispensable technology, providers can streamline operations, improve patient outcomes, and position themselves as leaders in care innovation. Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your home healthcare services. Explore how telemedicine kits can help you expand your reach, optimize your resources, and deliver exceptional care. Contact us today to learn more and take the next step toward transforming your care delivery model.
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