Importance of the introduction of TeleHealth in the AG-ACNP Curriculum

1. The Importance of Introducing TeleHealth into the AG-ACNP Curriculum

Knowledge and skills in information and health care technology are critical to the delivery of quality patient care in a variety of settings (IOM, 2003). As the use of technology expands, the master’s-prepared nurse must have the knowledge and skills to use current technologies to deliver and coordinate care across multiple settings, analyze point of care outcomes, and communicate with individuals and groups.  Graduates of master’s-level nursing programs must have competence to determine the appropriate use of technologies and integrate current and emerging technologies into one’s practice and the practice of others to enhance care outcomes (ANCC, 2012). 

Telehealth is a form of technology using telecommunications for medical diagnosis and patient care which fills the gap of advanced, specialized care in areas that face a shortfall of providers. This technology allows for the provision of medical services at sites that are under staffed and or physically separated from the provider.

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner student must be prepared to care for patients who need specialized care including those at a distance. TeleHealth has been proven to improve outcomes and is being adopted in several care models.  AG-ACNPs should be well positioned to provide intensivist/specialty care both on site and remotely with proper training. By incorporating TeleHealth training in the AG-ACNP program through introduction and exploration in a simulation lab, and observation and utilization in a long term acute care facility and in the TeleICU at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, the graduate AG-ACNP will have an understanding of the technology needed to provide intensivist/specialty care both on site and remote areas.