Nurses’ Experiences and Perspectives of the Telehealth Working Environment and Educational Needs

Abstract

Background: The continuing evolution of health care and the nursing profession includes the exponential growth of telehealth platforms. The goal of this study was to describe nurses’ experiences with and perspectives on their practice with and future need for telehealth. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive mixed methods study was conducted with nursing graduates from a single university. Completed survey questions focused on demographics, current work status, plans for employment participation, and telehealth experience. Descriptive analysis was conducted with statistical software, with directed content analysis for narrative responses. Results: A total of 305 of 5,080 participants completed the survey (6% response rate). Nurses described perceived benefits and barriers to working in a telehealth environment. Nurses identified continuing education needs that could form the basis for a telehealth continuing education program to increase confidence in telehealth delivery. Conclusion: The identified telehealth educational needs will positively influence the formation of continuing education opportunities for practicing nurses.