In remote nurse service, care pathways support patient problem solving
In a nurse's remote service, known at Terveystalo as the Digital nurse service, the nurse aims to help the client immediately by assessing the care the employee needs and its urgency, providing symptomatic care, home care instructions and, if necessary, an absence recommendation. During the early spring, the resolution rate of contacts with the Digital nurse service and the effectiveness of care has increased further with the introduction of care pathways based on current care recommendations.
The first care pathways to be introduced cover the three most common categories of contacts, which also cause the most sickness absence. The new pathways are the musculoskeletal pathway, the mental health pathway and the infectious diseases pathway.
– With these pathways, we ensure that clients receive timely care, in the right channel and from the right professional. We are only in the early stages, but already the feedback we have received is that customers have been satisfied and have received quick treatment and a solution to their problem," says Silja Komulainen, Senior Occupational Health Physician, Digital Occupational Health at Terveystalo.
Musculoskeletal disorders are increasingly treated by occupational physiotherapists
Research shows that the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders is most effective when carried out by a physiotherapist, with direct consultations with a physiotherapist being the most effective way to treat both acute and chronic conditions.
– Short-term symptoms are often resolved directly by the digital nurse, who can also assess the need for reduced workload at the same time. Our experienced and knowledgeable nurses also quickly identify the need for further guidance, which increasingly leads to a direct consultation with a physiotherapist. In addition to the effectiveness of treatment, this approach ensures that there are enough doctor's appointments available for patients who, in the nurse's opinion, should be referred to a doctor," adds Komulainen.
Treatment advice for infections at first contact
In acute cases of illness, the need for an employee is usually resolved directly during a nurse's remote consultation.
– More than half of all infection contacts are resolved in one go. During the contact, nurses can consult a doctor, for example in situations where the recommended home care prescription needs to take into account compatibility with any other medication the client may be taking. All home care instructions are also delivered to Terveystalo's app and online service, where the client can check them later," says Komulainen.
Mental health care pathway ensures work capacity
Sometimes, the Digital nurse service is contacted about an ailment or problem that reveals a need for a stronger referral to mental wellbeing services.
– The nurses working in the Digital nurse service all have several years of experience in clinical client work, as the job requires a very broad range of skills. Part of our nurses' professional skills is to interpret the client's story and situation correctly during the conversation. Sometimes physiological problems can be caused by psychological stress, in which case it is appropriate to continue treatment with a psychologist," says Komulainen.
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