Telehealth for nursing homes: the utilization of specialist services for residential care

J Telemed Telecare. 2012 Apr;18(3):142-6. doi: 10.1258/jtt.2012.SFT105. Epub 2012 Feb 23.

Abstract

Specialist care consultations were identified by two research nurses using documentation in patient records, appointment diaries, electronic billing services and on-site observations at a 441-bed long term care facility. Over a six-month period there were 3333 consultations (a rate of 1511 consultations per year per 100 beds). Most consultations were for general practice (n = 2589, 78%); these consultations were mainly on site (99%), with only 27 taking place off site. There were 744 consultations for specialities other than general practice. A total of 146 events related to an emergency or unplanned hospital admission. The remaining medical consultations (n = 598, 18%) related to 23 medical specialities. The largest number of consultations were for surgery (n = 106), podiatry (n = 100), nursing services including wound care (n = 74), imaging (n = 41) and ophthalmology (n = 40). Many services which are currently being provided on site to metropolitan long-term care facilities could be provided by telehealth in both urban and rural facilities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Homes for the Aged / organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care / methods
  • Long-Term Care / organization & administration
  • Medicine / methods
  • Medicine / organization & administration
  • Nursing Homes* / organization & administration
  • Referral and Consultation / organization & administration
  • Telemedicine* / methods
  • Telemedicine* / organization & administration