The Impact of Telemedicine and Patient Outcomes in Rural Settings

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Rural and Underserved populations pose a very real challenge in meeting healthcare needs. Telemedicine and Advance Practice Nurses offer viable solutions to those needs in a world of declining family practice physicians and has shown positive outcomes for patients in rural settings. The focus of this literature review is telemedicine's impact on patient outcomes in rural settings and it's utilization by the advance practice nurse. Methods: An extensive online literature review was performed utilizing CINAHL plus, Cochrane Library, PubMed and MedLine using key terms: MeSH terms, telemedicine, telehealth, rural, nurse practicioner, patient outcomes using Boolean/phrases. Studies selected were limited to randomized controlled trials for best evidence. Conclusions: Findings of this literature review suggest telemedicine has a positive effect on patient outcomes in rural settings. Telemedicine may be the only healthcare rural and underserved populations receive in addition to reducing costs, admissions and improved health disparities. Implications for practice: As healthcare demands continue to grow, telemedicine shows to be a vital tool for advanced practice nurses treating patients in rural settings and underserved populations. Evidence suggests the quality of care using telemedicine is equivalent to conventional treatment, manages chronic conditions effectively and positively impacts the patient outcomes.