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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to get at the advanced tele-health system in information technology.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to know the characterizes the profile and satisfaction of clients using the system.
METHODS : This study used action research approach. The advanced tele-health consultation system consists of remote TV and telephone terminals placed in drugstores in three municipalities of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, which connect to a health consultation room at Hokkaido University. The system allows for interactive, real-time communication via high-resolution display and clear audio transmissions. A nurse on stand-by at the university can perform health consultations, similar to face-to-face encounters, with clients in three locations. The farthest drugstore was approximately 400 kilometers away from the university. This research was approved by the Ethical Review Board of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University. One hundred-six consultations during the research period from March to September 2010 were analyzed.
RESULTS : Forty-one percent of the clients were in their forties and sixties, and each municipality had a characteristic client age distribution. The most common reasons for consultation included blood pressure checks (23.6%), specific diseases (16.0%), management of the child (8.5%). The clients resulted show a high level (88.0%) of satisfaction with the consultation received.
CONCLUSIONS : We demonstrated that such a tele-health consultation system can effectively serve the needs of a diverse population with respect to age and geography. Further directions include optimizing nurse education and staffing to match the needs of the clients.
See more of: World Academy of Nursing Science: Oral Paper & Posters