Nurse Practitioner Knowledge and Perceptions of Risks Associated with Telemedicine

Abstract

There is a healthcare provider shortage in the U.S., particularly in rural areas which results in rampant health disparities. Telemedicine allows health access to these areas through various applications of communication technologies, yet multiple barriers exist which prevent the adoption of telemedicine by healthcare providers. This quality improvement project assessed New Mexico VA Health Care System (NMVAHCS) nurse practitioner’s telemedicine knowledge, through surveys administered pre- and post- and an in-person educational intervention. This intervention consisted of educating nurse practitioners on the Eight Risk Domains that are associated with telemedicine practice. This quality improvement project assessed nurse practitioner perceived risks and the impact of education on the telemedicine risk perception of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The pre-test indicated ARPNs demonstrated minimal exposure to and awareness of the eight telemedicine risk domains and the post-test indicated new insights gained by the APRN group after an educational session on telemedicine and the 8 risk domains. Some challenges experienced in this QI project include a small sample size; limited time for the intervention; and additional time required for education about the QI process for site approval. This project offered insights on APRN knowledge of risk perceptions about telemedicine and may guide the development of educational strategies in undergraduate and graduate nursing curriculum. Addressing APRN knowledge of risk in telemedicine may reduce barriers and may enhance the adoption of telemedicine among nurse practitioners.