In telehealth practices, what is a critical skill for a nurse?

Engagement in effective communication and assessment is a critical skill for a nurse in telehealth practices because it directly impacts the quality of care that patients receive. In a telehealth setting, nurses must be able to communicate clearly and empathetically through various digital platforms, which can include video calls, phone calls, or chat systems. This requires not only verbal communication skills but also an ability to interpret non-verbal cues, which may be limited in a virtual environment.

Additionally, assessment skills are vital in telehealth as nurses need to gather pertinent health information without the benefit of physical examinations typically conducted in person. They must ask the right questions, listen attentively, and use their clinical judgment to evaluate a patient's condition based on the information provided. This often involves recognizing when further intervention is needed or when a patient should be referred for an in-person visit.

The effective use of communication technology also enables nurses to build rapport with patients, which is crucial for successful health outcomes, as it fosters trust and encourages patients to share relevant information about their health concerns. This adjustment to a virtual environment highlights the growing importance of these skills in modern healthcare delivery.