The Expanding Role of Telehealth in Nursing and the Importance of Regular Temperature Monitoring

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The landscape of healthcare has been dynamically evolving, especially in the realm of telehealth, which has seen a significant uptick in adoption over recent years. Nursing duties in hospitals have been significantly affected by this. According to the latest findings from the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, conducted by the Health Resources and Services Administration and the U.S. Census Bureau, 57% of nurses reported using telehealth in 2022, a notable increase from 50% in 2018. The survey, encompassing responses from 49,234 registered nurses, underscores a shift towards digital health solutions in response to the growing demands and challenges faced by healthcare providers. 

Telehealth Modalities and Their Utilization 

Nurses are embracing a variety of telehealth platforms to deliver care, as detailed in the survey: 

  • Telephone calls without video are the most utilized method, with 69% of nurses engaging in this form of communication. 
  • Live video-conferencing follows closely at 67%, providing a more interactive patient-nurse experience. 
  • Text messages or live chats are used by 28% of nurses, offering convenient and timely communications. 
  • Remote patient monitoring is employed by 15% of nurses, which facilitates continuous care without the need for physical presence. 
  • Mobile-health related care and public health information via mobile are used by 7% of the nurses, highlighting the shift towards mobile-centric healthcare solutions. 
  • Asynchronous video-conferencing and other digital communication forms are also in use, though to a lesser extent. 

This diversification in telehealth usage not only enhances clinical efficiency but also aims to reduce nurse burnout and turnover by alleviating some of the pressures inherent in traditional care settings. 

The Crucial Role of Regular Temperature Monitoring 

Maintaining rigorous standards of patient monitoring is more critical than ever as patients and healthcare providers interact increasingly remotely. One fundamental aspect of patient care, whether in-person or via telehealth, is the monitoring of body temperature. Regular temperature checks serve as a primary diagnostic tool for detecting fevers, inflammations, and infections, which can be pivotal in early-stage diagnostics. 

Given the nature of telehealth, where physical examinations are not possible, using reliable, accurate, and easy-to-use tools like the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer becomes essential. This type of thermometer offers a non-intrusive, yet highly effective and easy to use means to measure body temperature, harnessing the arterial heat balance method to provide a precise reading. 

Why Twice Daily Temperature Checks Are Advisable 

Monitoring temperature twice daily can be particularly advantageous under several circumstances: 

  • Early Detection of Infections: Frequent temperature measurements can help in early detection of infections, which is vital in managing and mitigating severe health outcomes. 
  • Chronic Health Monitoring: For patients with chronic illnesses, fluctuations in body temperature can indicate changes in condition that require prompt attention. 
  • Post-Operative Care: In post-operative scenarios, regular temperature monitoring is critical to detect complications like infections at an early stage. 
  • Managing Epidemic or Pandemic Outbreaks: During times of widespread viral infections, like the flu or COVID-19, keeping track of body temperature can help in early identification of cases and prevent the spread of the virus. 

As telehealth continues to be integrated into more aspects of healthcare, ensuring that both patients and providers have access to tools like the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer can significantly enhance the quality of care. It enables nurses to make informed decisions based on accurate data, thereby optimizing patient outcomes in an increasingly digital healthcare environment. Regular temperature monitoring is not just a measure of safety; it’s a cornerstone of modern, responsive patient care. 

Source:  

EXERGEN P/N 850149, Rev 1