The proposed solution is the adoption of telehealth services. Telehealth creates flexibility and improves access to healthcare services. Notably, telehealth is beneficial to those living in rural areas and those facing other geographical barriers (USC.edu, n.d.). Access to healthcare is improved via technologies such as video conferencing and the use of wearable devices (USC.edu, n.d.). These technologies facilitate remote patient monitoring and real-time interactions between patients and healthcare providers (USC.edu, n.d.). Telehealth eliminates the need for face-to-face interactions between healthcare providers and patients. It allows patients to access their preferred specialists (USC.edu, n.d.). Furthermore, telehealth enables patients to seek timely healthcare services for both acute and chronic conditions. Other than improving access to healthcare, telehealth improves the quality of healthcare services by permitting interdisciplinary collaboration in the decision-making process (USC.edu, n.d.).
The implementation of telehealth requires appropriate resource allocation. Adequate resources are required to acquire hardware and software and to train patients and healthcare providers. The implementation of telehealth requires a concerted effort among various stakeholders. The first step is planning and resource allocation. The second step is the acquisition and installation of hardware and software. This is succeeded by training healthcare providers. Training facilitates the appropriate use of telehealth. Patients should also receive adequate training. Training is key because it helps to achieve buy-in from patients and healthcare providers. The fourth step is implementing telehealth technology. Finally, the impact of the technology should be evaluated. In this context, the impact of telehealth on access to healthcare services will be evaluated.
Healthcare ethical principles are key when implementing telehealth. The principle of justice requires healthcare providers to avoid discriminatory practices when caring for patients (Varkey, 2021). In this context, all patients should be eligible for all telehealth services. Autonomy requires healthcare providers to engage patients in making decisions (Varkey, 2021). In this context, each patient will be involved in the formulation of treatment plans. Beneficence and non-maleficence require healthcare providers to offer services that promote the overall well-being of their patients (Varkey, 2021). In this scenario, healthcare providers should embrace the HIPAA’s directions to ensure that the privacy, confidentiality, and security of the patient are achieved (Moore & Frye, 2019). Furthermore, healthcare providers should adopt the best evidence-based practices when formulating treatment plans. This will improve patient outcomes.
Limited access to healthcare worsens the prognosis of diseases, increases the risk of complications, and increases mortality and morbidity rates. This necessitates the formulation of pertinent interventions to address the problem. Examples of these interventions include expanding healthcare coverage, telehealth, cultural sensitivity, and public education. Healthcare providers should embrace healthcare ethical principles when implementing telehealth.
See Also: NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 1 Applying Ethical Principles
Ayón, C., Ramos Santiago, J., & López Torres, A. S. (2020). Latinx Undocumented Older Adults, Health Needs and Access to Healthcare. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 22(5), 996–1009. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-019-00966-7
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