Telehealth Patient Education...

One of our assignments in my NUR 715 (Technological Transformations) class was to make a brochure that could be used for patient teaching on a health issue. The only requirement was for the piece of education material to incorporate telehealth into the teaching.

I chose to create a brochure for patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus, which would not only help them keep track of their blood sugar, but also, assist them in partnering with their healthcare provider to keep a close watch on their blood sugar trends to help with early intervention.

First, I created a flow sheet that patients can use to write in their blood sugars according to the daily schedule prescribed by their health care provider. Next, I listed step-by-step instructions on the process of keeping track of their sugars, submitting the monthly readings (via email) to their healthcare provider, and the telephone follow-up process that would ensue for making changes to medication regimens, lifestyle modifications, etc.

I included a made up email address that patients would use on a monthly basis to submit their blood sugar flow sheets. Additionally, I included that a nurse would follow-up with them via telephone with any recommended changes once the provider had assessed their monthly blood sugar readings. For this, I included a made up phone number as well.

I think this is an excellent idea not only for helping patients maintain tight blood glucose control, but also for limiting the amount of unnecessary "call-backs" from patients. I think this "brochure" is cost-effective, time-efficient, and very practical and beneficial for patients' use.

Please see the brochure I made below: