Introduction
Nowadays, Telehome Care is a patient program that involves close monitoring of critical signs from a given distance through telecommunications tools or equipments as well as replacing the home or house nursing visits using videoconferences. This program is usually aimed at managing chronic diseases such as congestive heart failure, diabetes and chronic pulmonary illness which may occur when the patient is away from medical or health care facilities. However, it is very important for people to comprehend that this program it now in use and it comprises the assistance of ICU doctors who usually give directions (Glascock, & Kutzik, 2012).
The Telehome care program employs telecommunication technologies which enable the integration of video, voice as well as health-related data and it is performed by certified professional. The Telehome care program does not impose strict monitoring procedures as it incorporates a wide range of healthcare delivery via emotional, education, social support, self-care help, suggestions and information dissemination. Effective implementation of this program assists in bettering the full management of patients who develop these chronic and persistent health conditions. Recent research revealed that the cost of treatment for chronic diseases such as diabetes and congestive heart failure is approximately 75% of all medical costs in the USA if it is being treated at a healthcare center. On other hand, many people believe that the treatment or management process of such chronic diseases is cheaper if it carried out or monitored at home. This is because monitoring the chronic diseases at home usually cut down on extra costs as the number of insurers increased simultaneously from 2 in the year 2000 to about 20 insurers in the year 2002. Moreover, paying for the services of qualified professionals is made easier since it is covered appropriately. A current study by the ATA (American Telemedicine Association) unveiled that the commercial reimbursement of the telemed services besides teleradiology is wide spreading at a faster paces. Despite the fact that many insurers in the industry are dedicated to cover up for costs even though they prefer e-visits as the costs are cheaper (Glascock, & Kutzik, 2012).
There are numerous benefits that are usually enjoyed as a result of using Telehome care program
Cost effectiveness
Telehome Care process usually involves incorporating effective machines as well as facilities which would be used in the whole process. These facilities are aimed at linking the hospital that collects the data and their patients who are receiving the treatment management assistances. The average cost of installing one single unit in a patient’s home ranges from $ 2,000-$ 6,000. These facilities play the vital role of linking central offices to the home or nursing home through the usage of the telecommunications which enable both the patients and health professionals to see and hear each other appropriately. The cost of these units differs as well as standard or quality since it depends on the type of disease being managed. Once the facilities are successfully installed into the patients’ home effectively, it enables the user to cut down on costs in terms of DM, COPD and CHF.
Improvements in health care or clinical care (Quality of care and client centered)
Telehome care program which is effectively carried under the remote monitoring of the appropriate technologies enable the professionals to assist their patients in an appropriate manner. Managing such chronic diseases in an effective manner always require the assistance of the appropriate facilities. These facilities play a key role in making the entire process a success. Patients with chronic diseases such as congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) prevail much better under telehome care the remote monitoring program. Recent research projects have revealed that managing patients who are currently suffering from these chronic complications at home while using the facilities enable them prevail more successfully. If such chronic diseases are not managed in the appropriate manner, they can cause deaths. For instance, a study that incorporated 426 people discovered that all the patients with DM were monitored through electronic devices which recorded as well as reported their blood pressure, heart rhythm, pulse and weight. These devices recorded measurements which in return send or transmit the data collected to the centre office or healthcare center via telephone lines to the institutions’ Web site (Glascock, 2013).
The use of such facilities with the presences of qualified medical processional usually ensures quality care services are delivered up to the clients’ expectation and standards. The professionals are able to meet the clients’ requirements through monitoring all their progress while he or she is at home. Most people with these chronic complications should be monitored closely so that the experts know when the client needs urgent assistance. These machines enable the doctor check on the screen for vital or critical which might include oxygen level as well as pulse rate. Therefore, Telehome care is believed to advance in many rural areas and thus decrease the number of daily visits done by the hospitals professionals.
Telehome care stakeholders
Stakeholders such as Veteran Administration have appropriately planned to incorporate as many patients as possible who will be receiving the Telehome care services as it will reduce congestions in health centers. Moreover, the government has assisted the veteran administration to effectively and successfully implement their plan on ensuring more and more patients are accommodated within Telehome plan. On the other hand, the number of insurers who cover up for Telehome service costs is reportedly to be increasing every year. Insurers play a major role in ensuring that patients receive massive Telehome care services at lower costs. Therefore, the government has ensured that it creates conducive environment to attract potential investors.
Strengths and weaknesses of Telecom care
Telehome care enables weak and sick people receive treatment while at the comfort of their homes. This is because many patients usually prefer to be at home rather than hospitals. The Telehome care program is aimed at managing their signs while they are at home and thus professionals can monitor all the signs to ensure the disease signs are monitored. Home creates a conducive place or environment to encourage sick people recover in a quick pace. Therefore, patients may receive much care while at home at lower cost (Armstrong, & Frueh, 2003).
Telehome care patient is usually motivated and empowered to manage his or her health care needs and wants. Telehome care monitoring process of a patient play a vital role in enabling them to remember all his or her specific needs on a daily manner. For instance, a patient who is supposed to take medication on a daily basis usually receives a reminder. Moreover, the patient is able to also receive frequent visits from his or her usual health care provider who reinforces their daily medication. The program prepares the patients to be educated about self management processes. The facilities installed in the patients’ homes are equipped to the task since it trains them on how to manage their health. Therefore, the process is a learning one because patients are taught on all the procedures involved. The Telehome care program also enables patients to receive an increased emotional support. Patients suffering chronic diseases receive professional support which is intended to provide emotional assistance. Through the video visits from nutritionists, nurses, physicians and social workers provides emotional support which is much better than the one received in hospital. Additionally, the virtual visits enables these patients to have face-to-face conversation with the specialists. Through this conversation the patient is able to ask for questions about his or her condition as well as receive effective answers (Armstrong, & Frueh, 2003).
A weakness of telehome care process is that it may seem cheap to some patients whereas other views it as expensive. The cost-effectiveness of the entire program is not measured according to the poor people middle class and rich people. Such services can only be available to be people who can afford to cater for entire process.
Conclusion
Telehome care process is an appropriate form in which patients are able to receive medical attention while at their homes. The process is cost-effective if a clear comparison is carried out in regard to hospital medical costs. Moreover, insurers are now availing their services to patients who are receiving Telehome care services. This make the entire process a success since the cost is lower. Stakeholders should play a major role in ensuring key or potential investors are invited effectively. Telehome care program is very effective in treating as well as managing patients with chronic diseases.
References
Armstrong, M. L., & Frueh, S. (2003). Telecommunications for nurses: Providing successful
distance education and telehealth. New York: Springer Pub.
Glascock, A. P. (2013). A conflicted view of telehomecare after a 20 year journey.
Glascock, A. P., & Kutzik, D. M. (2012). Essential lessons for the success of telehomecare: Why
it's not plug and play. Amsterdam: IOS Press.
