WEARABLE HEALTH TECHNOLOGY AND ITS IMPACT ON PATIENT MONITORING

The integration of telehealth technologies into nursing practice has transformed healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to medical services is often limited. This qualitative-descriptive study explored the impact of telehealth on patient care quality, implementation challenges, and improved healthcare accessibility through the lens of rural nurses in the United Kingdom. Twelve healthcare professionals, including nurses and telehealth coordinators, participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed three major themes: enhanced patient monitoring and care quality, barriers to effective telehealth implementation, and improved accessibility for underserved populations. Findings showed that telehealth facilitated regular follow-ups, timely interventions, and improved patient engagement, particularly for managing chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. However, challenges such as unstable internet connections, limited digital literacy, and inadequate infrastructure hindered optimal implementation. Despite these barriers, telehealth significantly expanded access to healthcare services for geographically isolated patients by reducing travel burdens and enabling home-based consultations. The study concludes that while telehealth holds significant potential to improve rural healthcare delivery, its success depends on addressing technological and educational barriers among both nurses and patients. The results underscore the need for strategic investments in digital infrastructure, nurse training, and community engagement to ensure the equitable and sustainable use of telehealth in rural settings. These insights contribute to policy development and the future integration of telehealth as a standard practice in nursing care, supporting a more responsive and inclusive healthcare system.