A Model to Guide Telehealth Research Quality Improvement, Practice and Education

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Delivery
• Medical Education
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• Telehealth offers crucial care to rural populations.
• Challenges exist in telehealth implementation regarding technology, research, quality improvement, practice, and education.
• A structured model is needed to address these multifaceted telehealth challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Telehealth Research, Improvement, Practice, and Education (TRIP-E) Meta Model.
• To provide a comprehensive framework for telehealth research, quality improvement, practice, and education.
• To highlight the TRIP-E Meta Model's flexibility for integrating diverse theoretical approaches.

Main Methods:

• A two-phased approach was employed for model development.
• Phase one involved a comprehensive literature review to establish an initial model.
• Phase two incorporated feedback from Doctor of Nursing Practice students in a telehealth education program to refine the model.

Main Results:

• The Telehealth Research, Improvement, Practice, and Education (TRIP-E) Meta Model was successfully developed.
• The model serves as a guide for key aspects of telehealth implementation.
• The TRIP-E Meta Model demonstrates inherent flexibility, allowing for the integration of various theories.

Conclusions:

• The TRIP-E Meta Model offers a robust framework for advancing telehealth initiatives.
• The model's meta-model nature enhances its adaptability for different research and practice projects.
• Further testing is encouraged to validate the flexibility and usability of the TRIP-E Meta Model in diverse telehealth settings.