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. 2022 Mar;9(2):1155-1163.
doi: 10.1002/nop2.1155. Epub 2021 Dec 16.

Using telemedicine in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-perspective view on the implementation process

Petra Plunger  1 , Magdalena Eitenberger  1 , Maria Kletecka-Pulker  1 , Thomas Wochele-Thoma  1 , Elisabeth Klager  1 , Ann Kathrin Ruf  1 , Fabian Eibensteiner  1   2
Affiliations

Using telemedicine in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-perspective view on the implementation process

Petra Plunger et al. Nurs Open. 2022 Mar.

Abstract

Aim: Centring on nursing homes, we analysed the implementation process of a tablet- and videoconferencing-based telemedicine application from the perspectives of management, nursing staff and physicians.

Design: We used a qualitative design based on interviews to explore diverse perspectives on the implementation of telemedicine.

Methods: We conducted fourteen face-to-face or online interviews with a purposeful sample of five managers, six nurses and three general practitioners treating residents in Austrian nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. We condensed data using thematic analysis.

Results: Nursing home management implemented telemedicine rapidly, using a top-down approach met with ambivalence by staff. On the part of nurses, their professional understanding of person-centred care was challenged. Telemedicine also impacted cooperation between nurses and physicians, influencing their respective understanding of their roles. Working experience with digital nursing documentation had a positive effect on users' acceptance of the telemedicine solution.

Keywords: COVID-19; nursing homes; patient care; physicians; tablets; telemedicine; videoconferencing.

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Conflict of interest statement

We have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Implementing telemedicine—themes and subthemes
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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