
320 | CHAPTER 19 Telenursing and Remote Access Telehealth
DRIVING FORCES FOR TELEHEALTH
A significant increase is expected in the use of information technology tools in
nursing venues in the coming decades. This use is affected by a number of factors
in all of western society. The following factors are drivers of the growing trend to-
ward telehealth and technology use and will influence nursing practice signifi-
cantly in the next decades: demographics; nursing and healthcare worker
shortages; chronic diseases and conditions; the new, educated consumers; and ex-
cessive costs of healthcare services that are increasing in need and kind.
Case Study: