Developing a Holistic Competence Model for Telenursing Practice: Perspectives from Telenurses and Managers of Telemedical Service Centres

  • Christine Carius Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin
  • Bettina Zippel-Schultz Deutsche Stiftung für chronisch Kranke (German Foundation for the chronically Ill)
  • Carsten Schultz Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
  • Martin Schultz Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW
  • Thomas M Helms Deutsche Stiftung für chronisch Kranke (German Foundation for the chronically Ill)
Keywords: Telemedicine, telehealth, telenursing

Abstract

Telenurse’s work performance determines the quality and the efficiency of the service and strongly influences the acceptance of patients and healthcare professionals. Considering this important role, qualification and training of telenurses is of utmost importance for the success of telemedicine providers and the future of telemedicine. However, in Germany the profession “telenurse” is not yet established, nor is there a standardised education programme for telenurses. Purpose: In our study, we seek to identify and describe needed competencies from the perspectives of employees and employers in telemedicine service centres. We develop a systematic competencies concept fundamental for a specific telenurse education curriculum. Methods: We designed an exploratory study as a series of semi-standardised interviews with telenurses and the management of telenursing centres, focusing on knowledge, skills and attitudes needed in telenursing practice. Results: By including the perspectives of employers and employees, we provide a broad view on the skills and competencies needed. We show that telenursing requires a great variety of competencies that can be structured into four categories: professional, methodological, personal and social competencies. Conclusion: Our study provides a comprehensive approach to key competencies of telenurses. The results set out a framework for the development of skills and competencies considering the perception of the telenurse-workplace not only from employers but also from employee’s perspective.

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Author Biographies

Christine Carius, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin
PhD Student at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Bettina Zippel-Schultz, Deutsche Stiftung für chronisch Kranke (German Foundation for the chronically Ill)
Head of Innovation management
Carsten Schultz, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
Chair of Technology Management, Head of Department
Martin Schultz, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW
Head of Institute of applied Telemedicine
Thomas M Helms, Deutsche Stiftung für chronisch Kranke (German Foundation for the chronically Ill)

Chairman of the Board, Managing Director German Foundation for the chronically Ill

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Published
2016-11-15
How to Cite
Carius, C., Zippel-Schultz, B., Schultz, C., Schultz, M., & Helms, T. (2016). Developing a Holistic Competence Model for Telenursing Practice: Perspectives from Telenurses and Managers of Telemedical Service Centres. Journal of the International Society for Telemedicine and EHealth, 4, e22 (1-17). Retrieved from https://journals.ukzn.ac.za/index.php/JISfTeH/article/view/174
Section
Original Research