The Changing Role of Nurses in Telehealth: Blending Compassion and Technology for Comprehensive Care
The field of telehealth has revolutionized medical care delivery, transforming the dynamics of healthcare and challenging nurses to adapt to new ways of connecting with patients. With the increasing reliance on virtual interactions, nurses find themselves spending less time at the bedside and more time connecting with patients through screens. However, this shift does not diminish the importance of compassion and empathy in nursing. Recognizing the significance of nurse presence, Shainy Varghese, a professor at the University of Houston’s Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing, has conducted research that highlights the blending of the caring profession into the virtual landscape.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 37% of adults in 2021 have utilized telemedicine in the past year. In light of this growing trend, Varghese emphasizes the need to ensure that the human element is not compromised or replaced by impersonal questionnaires and tasks. For comprehensive care that addresses both the body and soul, nurse presence must remain an integral part of the healthcare experience.
Varghese identifies three key phases in telehealth where nurses can promote a sense of connection and facilitate healing: the pre-visit, visit, and post-visit phases. Starting with the pre-visit phase, the nurse should present themselves and their environment professionally. This includes wearing appropriate attire to maintain a sense of professionalism, similar to an in-person visit. Attention should also be given to the surroundings, as the objects in the background can send non-verbal cues that may impact the patient’s perception of the provider.
Active and reflective listening are essential skills in virtual healthcare interactions. Active listening involves complete attention to the patient’s words, with body posture playing a crucial role in conveying engaged listening. Functional listening expressions such as nodding, appropriate facial expressions, open posture, and showing genuine interest in the conversation help establish an atmosphere of empathetic connection. Reflective listening, on the other hand, communicates respect to the patient, enhances communication and cooperation, and provides an opportunity to rectify any misunderstandings. Nurses can employ strategies such as summarizing, clarifying, and repeating the patient’s statements to ensure effective reflective listening.
The nuances of care extend beyond the virtual visit, mirroring the follow-up routine of in-person consultations. This may involve scheduling follow-up appointments, laboratory tests, or periodic check-ins via telephone or text messages. Kathryn Tart, the founding dean of the Gessner College of Nursing, emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts in nursing education, practice, theory, and research. Nursing students should be prepared with the necessary skills and knowledge to create and sustain a nursing presence in virtual healthcare.
In the evolving landscape of telehealth, nurses must adapt to the changing dynamics while preserving the essence of compassionate care. By embracing technology and incorporating empathetic practices, nurses can continue to provide comprehensive care that heals both the body and soul. The blending of compassion and technology in telehealth will redefine the role of nurses, ensuring that nursing presence remains at the forefront of patient care.
