Changes in the workplace with telemedicine

Abstract

The opinions of 110 emergency nurse practitioners (ENPs) practising telemedicine in 11 British minor injury units were sought using a questionnaire. There were 90 respondents (82%). The respondents thought that, since telemedicine had been introduced, they had become more open to change (96%) and more ready to grasp opportunities (93%). They considered that they were more keen to learn new things (99%) and were better disposed to teaching others (90%). They adopted a more advisory and supportive role (80%), found the work environment more varied (83%) and were well disposed to teamwork (64%). The power balance with doctors had changed (86%) and doctors indulged in dialogue rather than direction (69%). The results suggest that although changes have started in the workplace, they have not been as dramatic as a previous study of patients had predicted.