A nursing home telehealth system: keeping residents connected

Nursing home telehealth systems can add a new dimension to health care delivery for individuals residing in long-term care settings.  Live video and detailed images of nursing home residents can now be transmitted in real time via the Internet. This article describes the nursing home system e-TeleHealth, which allows residents and long-term care health professionals to connect with experts not available on-site. E-TeleHealth uses a rollabout station that includes a computer and monitor on a movable arm, as well as capabilities for videoconferencing, electronic stethoscope, otoscope, dermascope, dentalscope, and electrocardiogram use. Challenges in implementing telehealth systems in long-term care can include Internet connectivity problems, software glitches, operator error, costs, and the lack of reimbursement for telehealth services. While technology is changing the delivery of health care services, more pilot tests of telehealth systems must take place, appropriate system modifications must be made, and reimbursement procedures must be addressed at a legislative level.