Implementing a Structured Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum that Addresses Gaps in Knowledge about Telenursing Practices Guided by the Four P’s of the Telehealth Framework

Abstract : As telehealth becomes increasingly integral to modern healthcare, nursing education must evolve to prepare future nurses for this landscape. The new curriculum at Hardin Simmons University (HSU), prepares undergraduate nursing students, by increasing their awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of nursing toward telehealth, particularly telenursing through clinical and simulation-based experiences threaded throughout their courses. The COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted the necessity for telehealth competencies for which HSU received a substantial $8 million grant designated for enhancing telehealth services and rural nursing education, enabling the integration of telehealth competencies into its nursing program. Preliminary findings of a community need’s survey indicated a diverse level of awareness regarding telehealth technologies among current health care staff, accompanied by generally positive attitudes toward their application in clinical settings. However, significant gaps in knowledge about specific telenursing practices were identified. In response, HSU implemented a structured curriculum based on the Four P’s of Telehealth Framework—Patient, Provider, Process, and Platform—to empower graduates to deliver high-quality patient care. Additionally, a rural health component provided clinical rotations in rural hospitals, utilizing telemedicine to address healthcare access issues in underserved areas. This evidenced based approach shaped an innovative nursing curriculum to meet the demands of a rapidly changing healthcare environment.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to participate in your session.: The integration of telehealth competencies into a nursing curriculum is timely and essential. As telehealth becomes a cornerstone of healthcare delivery, nursing students must be adequately trained to navigate its complexities. By implementing a structured curriculum based on the Four P’s of Telehealth Framework, HSU can empower graduates to excel in this evolving landscape, ensuring high-quality patient care and addressing healthcare challenges effectively.