by Mauricsa Woods

Healthcare has always been at the forefront of innovation, continually developing to meet the changing requirements of both patients and professionals. The rise of telemedicine has emerged as a game-changer in this digital transformation era, altering the healthcare delivery landscape.

I recently had the honor of interviewing Marion Whigham, BSN, RN, who has vast expertise in the industry, to investigate the implications of this developing trend.

Our discussion shed light on telemedicine’s problems, possibilities, and transformational potential, offering useful insights into how this technology is changing how healthcare is delivered.

Q: Introduce yourself and your thoughts on the rise of telemedicine within healthcare practice, and what are your initial thoughts on its impact?

A: Hello! My name is Marion. I have been a Registered Nurse for about 13 years, sometime before telemedicine gained popularity. I have worked in various settings, including Psychiatry, Long Term Acute Care, and Medical Intensive Care Unit.

For the most part, I believe Telemedicine is a great asset to healthcare. It allows those who otherwise might not be able to receive healthcare to receive timely interventions.

It also provides an alternative method for healthcare providers to offer to cater to more patients and their needs.

Q: What is telemedicine’s main benefits for patients and healthcare professionals from your perspective as a registered nurse?

A: In my opinion, the benefit of telemedicine for patients includes receiving healthcare in the comfort of their own homes without the stress of traveling to a clinic.

Also, telemedicine visits enable the patient more flexibility when it comes to fitting appointments into their busy schedule. A benefit of telemedicine for professionals is providing care to a patient population who otherwise may not be able to receive timely healthcare.

Q: Looking ahead, what future opportunities and advancements do you envision for the rise of telemedicine based on your experience as a registered nurse?

A: Future opportunities and advancements I see for telemedicine include providing more opportunities in rural areas and expanding the use of telemedicine to different specialties.

Often, many who reside in more rural areas have issues with obtaining reliable transportation and making scheduled appointments. The use of telemedicine enables this population to continue to receive the healthcare they need and deserve.

Q: Are there any specific populations, such as the elderly or individuals with disabilities, that you have observed to benefit greatly from telemedicine?

A: I believe the elderly or those with disabilities would benefit greatly from telemedicine. But these populations also tend not to be very tech-savvy.Therefore, a person with experience/knowledge of electronics may sometimes have to be present for a visit with the healthcare provider to occur. Also, pediatric patients tend to benefit immensely from telemedicine.

Therefore, a person with experience/knowledge of electronics may sometimes have to be present for a visit with the healthcare provider to occur. Also, pediatric patients tend to benefit immensely from telemedicine.

It allows the parents of pediatric patients to receive quick and efficient care without the hassle of attempting to bring children into the clinic.

Q: What are the implications of telemedicine for healthcare professionals, particularly in terms of workload, burnout, and job satisfaction? 

A: Implications of telemedicine for healthcare professionals regarding workload, burnout, and job satisfaction include manageable workloads and possible reduction in burnout due to a hopeful increase in job satisfaction.

Telemedicine can possibly allow healthcare professionals the ability to schedule patients in a more beneficial way. By having increased autonomy over and flexibility with scheduling, healthcare providers can ensure sufficient time is allotted to each patient to have a successful visit, in addition to having “buffer times” to allow for the charting of each visit.

I’d like to thank you for taking the time to share your useful ideas and experiences about the growth of telemedicine. Your willingness to share firsthand stories and viewpoints has helped me better comprehend this disruptive trend in healthcare.

Your commitment to patient care and insightful replies have been very inspirational.

Q: Are there any additional resources or support groups available to help with medication management?

A: I would encourage patients to contact their PCP or specialist to obtain information on additional resources or support groups available in their geographical area.

Also, depending on the situation, some patients may benefit from receiving nursing services via home health to assist in refiling pill planners and obtaining medication refills as needed.

I’d like to extend my deepest appreciation to Marion Whigham, BSN, RN, for graciously sharing your essential views and personal experiences surrounding the growth of telemedicine.

Your willingness to share your experience as a qualified nurse this helpful in healthcare development. Your expertise and firsthand stories have shed light on telemedicine’s benefits, limitations, and promise, and I genuinely appreciate the information you have shared.

Thank you for sharing your experience; it has tremendously aided my study and strengthened my admiration for the extraordinary role that healthcare professionals like yourself play in embracing and defining the future of telemedicine.

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