APRNs' perception of telehealth use

Abstract

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant increase in the use of telehealth. Although advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) play an essential role in improving healthcare accessibility, including the provision of telehealth, for many individuals, few studies examining provider perceptions of telehealth have included APRN participants. Methods: This article describes a quantitative, descriptive study involving a survey administered electronically to a convenience sample of APRNs from one state. Results: Seventy-five APRN participants completed the survey, with NPs comprising nearly 90% of the sample. On average, surveyed APRNs had been conducting telehealth visits for 2.57 years. Most participants were able to develop or maintain rapport with new or established patients using telehealth and felt that their patients were satisfied by these visits. More than one-third of participants reported that new patients seen via telehealth received somewhat worse care than patients seen face to face, and one-quarter reported that established patients seen via telehealth received somewhat worse care. Conclusion: Although some concerns exist, overall, APRNs' perceptions of the use of telehealth were positive, with most wishing to continue providing care via telehealth in the future. This study adds to the literature on providers' perceptions of telehealth by describing the APRN viewpoint.