To evaluate the effectiveness of a telehealth program designed for clients with chronic conditions, which method should the nurse use to assess impact on outcomes?

• A. Compare emergency department visits before and after program implementation
• B. Survey patient satisfaction only
• C. Measure the number of telehealth visits
• D. Assess provider workload

Answer: (A)

When evaluating the impact of a telehealth program on outcomes, you want an objective measure that reflects actual health care results for patients with chronic conditions. Comparing emergency department visits before and after implementing the program provides a concrete indicator of whether the telehealth service influenced acute-care needs. If the program is effective, you’d expect to see a reduction in ED visits, suggesting better disease management, fewer crises, and potential cost savings. This approach ties the intervention directly to patient outcomes rather than just usage or perceptions.

Surveying patient satisfaction, while valuable for quality of experience, doesn’t by itself demonstrate changes in health outcomes. Counting the number of telehealth visits shows how often the service is used but not whether patients are healthier or avoiding urgent care. Assessing provider workload focuses on how the system supports staff, not on patient outcomes.