Telehealth advancing nursing practice

The pressures to contain health care, including the early discharge of pati ents, combined with the closing of many home care health agencies, create h igher demands for home health care at a time when such care is rapidly beco ming less available. Telemedicine technology may help to close the gap betw een demand and availability of home health care services. It also may open opportunities for the work of community health nurses and advanced practice nurses and reduce costs. The increased use of telecommunication to deliver services mises questions of the effectiveness of services to patients, cos t of care, professional licensure, and reimbursement and liability issues. Presented here is a brief historical perspective on the functions of the te chnology potential barriers to implementation, and possible uses in nursing caregiving. Rather than being a substitute, telemedicine technology comple ments the existing health care network, bringing services to persons who ot herwise might not receive care. By increasing our patients' options and exp anding their access to health care, home health and advanced practice nurse s act as patient advocates.