Telehealth in Nursing Practice: Enhancing Patient Care and Accessibility in Rural Communities

Abstract

This study explores the role of telehealth in nursing practice, focusing on its impact on enhancing patient care and accessibility in rural communities. Using a qualitative research approach based on literature review and library research, this paper synthesizes recent findings on the implementation of telehealth technologies in rural healthcare settings. The analysis reveals that telehealth significantly improves healthcare access for patients in remote areas, reducing the need for travel and enabling timely medical consultations. Additionally, telehealth helps overcome geographic and logistical barriers, allowing nurses to deliver high-quality care and monitor patient health more effectively. The findings highlight the importance of nurse training in telehealth technologies to ensure successful integration into routine practice. However, challenges such as digital literacy, limited internet infrastructure, and concerns over patient privacy still pose obstacles to widespread telehealth adoption in rural areas. This research contributes to the growing understanding of how telehealth can bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility, particularly for underserved populations. The study concludes that telehealth holds significant potential to improve patient outcomes in rural communities, but further efforts are needed to address technical and educational barriers to ensure its long-term success in nursing practice.