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. 2021 Feb;17(2):214-217.
doi: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.10.001. Epub 2020 Oct 24.

Achieving Health Equity: Examining Telehealth in Response to a Pandemic

Achieving Health Equity: Examining Telehealth in Response to a Pandemic

Shelly Smith et al. J Nurse Pract. 2021 Feb.

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated social distancing mandates, the conservation of personal protective equipment, and the prioritization of health care resources, thus prompting the rapid scale-up of telehealth services. The COVID-19 pandemic illustrates the importance of taking a broader view of health policy that facilitates the optimal conditions in which patient-centered care occurs and health equity is pursued. This article examines the use of telehealth during the pandemic as a case for demonstrating the necessity for advanced practice nurses to engage in broad policy initiatives to address social determinants of health care.

Keywords: COVID-19; advanced practice nurse; advocacy; health policy; telehealth.

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