Streamlining the Telemedicine Consultation Process: APN as Facilitator

Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) play an integral role in the facilitation of high-risk

obstetrical telemedicine clinics serving rural Arkansas, at which increasing numbers of

patients seek telemedicine consultation. As assessed through telemedicine, the APN

facilitator provides a thorough report to the provider on the patient’s medical history and

present obstetrical condition. The APN’s documentation of pertinent clinical information

such as Level II ultrasound findings, recommendations, and future management plans

enables the MFM specialist to move with ease from patient to patient, thus increasing the

number of high-risk patients receiving consultation. The APN directs the virtual clinic

room utilized by providers, assisting with camera and volume manipulation to enhance

the telemedicine experience for the provider and patient. Since the integration of APN

facilitation in telemedicine consultation, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

has witnessed a marked increase in the number of telemedicine consultations conducted.

In 2002, only 174 telemedicine consultations were conducted, whereas in 2005, 548

consultations were conducted, as attributed to the implementation of a high-risk

pregnancy telemedicine program relying on regular APN facilitation. Virtual high-risk

obstetrical clinics facilitated by an APN can enhance provider availability to an increased

number of patients by streamlining the telemedicine consultation process.