Benefit of Telemedicine in Post-Hospital Care for Chronic Diseases
Telemedicine interventions have been widely recognized for their potential in the remote management of long-term illnesses. However, which key factors does the success of this innovative model hinge on?
Benefits of Telemedicine in Post-Hospital Care for Chronic Diseases
Proper and consistent home care after hospital discharge is crucial for patients with chronic illnesses [1, 2]. In particular, professional supports for during the transition from hospital to home plays a vital role in the effective management of chronic conditions [2, 3]. The supports focus on helping patients manage their health independently, follow medical advice consistently and quickly recognize and address potential complications [2–4]. However, geographical and time constraints frequently hinder the delivery of post-discharge care, posing challenges for patients and healthcare providers in maintaining ongoing communication and ensuring continuity of care.
Telemedicine has emerged as a promising solution to overcome these challenges by eliminating geographical and temporal barriers to healthcare. To ensure the effectiveness of telemedicine in managing long-term illnesses post-hospitalization, it is crucial to address issues of acceptance, usability, and integration into routine care, while increasing availability and normalizing its use [2, 5, 6]. An evidence from Norway underscores the importance of these factors in enhancing the feasibility and effectiveness of telemedicine in the follow-up care of chronically ill patients.
Feasibility, Acceptability, and Usability of Telemedicine for post-hospital care
Wathne et al. conducted a study between December 2021 and February 2023 at two Norwegian university hospitals, focusing on telemedicine interventions delivered by auxiliary nurses to patients with long-term illnesses [2]. The study primarily targeted patients with heart failure and those who had undergone surgical treatment for colorectal cancer, aiming to assess the acceptability and usability of this digital intervention from the perspectives of both healthcare professionals and patients [2, 7].
Upon discharge, patients in the study were provided with an iPad containing the Dignio app and a monitoring device to enable real-time transmission of clinical indicators such as blood pressure, pulse, weight, and temperature to caregivers. Additionally, patients could report symptoms and health conditions directly to nurse navigators via the My Dignio app, facilitating continuous feedback and communication. My Dingo also allowed patients to consult and communicate with their caregivers [2, 7].
During the training phase 10 patients were observed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 nurses and 27 patients at the study’s conclusion [2]. The results showed that digital interaction between patients and nurse navigators contributed significantly to the success of the telemedicine program. The digital interaction and social relationships were the driving forces behind the successful implementation of remote patient monitoring, making it essential for participants’ willingness to engage with the technology. Furthermore, the study concluded that digital follow-up care and remote monitoring after discharge effectively extended the support provided during hospitalization, offering ongoing benefits to patients. The intervention also enhanced the digital literacy of nurse navigators and deepened nurses’ understanding of managing long-term conditions, thereby improving their ability to prepare patients for life at home post-discharge. Ultimately, such telemedicine interventions have the potential to positively impact patients’ long-term health trajectories.
Conclusion
Telemedicine offers significant potential in addressing the increasing strain on healthcare resources and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. However, its success in disease management largely depends on the acceptance and accessibility of this technology by all stakeholders. The study from Norway highlights user interaction with telemedicine tools as a critical factor in their acceptance and practical use [2]. Therefore, future developments should focus on enhancing telemedicine as a bridge between healthcare professionals and patients. Additionally, it is crucial to improve digital literacy among patients, particularly the middle-aged and elderly, who are most in need of these services but often lack the necessary skills. While telemedicine overcomes geographical barriers, it does not necessarily reduce healthcare workers’ workloads, who must manage both clinical and remote tasks [8]. To address this, specialized telemedicine disciplines and interdisciplinary education should be established, alongside further research to standardize processes and integrate telemedicine into healthcare systems effectively [2, 9].
References
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Also read: Telemedicine in Chronic Disease Management: Evidence from Norway
