Innovation of Community-Based Integrated Care: The History and Current Status of Telenursing in Japan

Abstract

This chapter defines telenursing as follows: “Telenursing is a nursing practice that uses information and communication technology. This technology is used to understand and educate patients about their health.” The elements required to develop a telenursing system are shown in a user-oriented telenursing application based on the structure of personal health records. In recent years, numerous information application tools have been developed for smartphones and incorporated into daily life. The functions necessary for telenursing include information sharing, the structure of medical care, and patients (Doctor to Patient with Nurse [D to P with N]). Telenursing could extend the lifespan through not only the optimization of operations but also interprofessional information sharing and early detection and treatment. Further, telenursing could lead to the reduction in medical expenses while simultaneously providing peace of mind and comfort to people in all situations in hospitals and communities.

Consequently, this chapter is an attempt to identify necessary elements and challenges of a telenursing system primarily from the viewpoint of translational health information sciences.