Telehealth and Home Care: Reducing Infection Risks for High-Risk Patients

Lesley Barton is the National Clinical and Training Manager at Bunzl & AMHC.

(Image credit: Author)

Infections are a threat to high-risk patients, such as older persons, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic conditions. Traditional health care settings, like hospitals and clinics, can inadvertently expose these vulnerable populations to pathogens, increasing the likelihood of complications.

Telehealth and home care have emerged as vital tools in mitigating these risks by reducing the need for in-person visits and enabling safer, more controlled care environments. Through technology and structured home-based protocols, health care providers can deliver effective treatment while minimizing exposure to infectious agents.

Read on to learn how telehealth and home care address infection risks and best practices for proper implementation.

Understanding Infection Risks in High-Risk Patients

High-risk patients are more vulnerable to infections. Although equipped with medical professionals and resources, hospital environments can also be breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. The proximity of patients, shared equipment, and exposure to poorly disposed waste increase the chances of contracting harmful pathogens.

For high-risk individuals, even mild infections can quickly escalate into serious health issues, which can cause complications that may require extended hospital stays, invasive treatments, or surgery. As a result, managing infection risk is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Strict protocols for hygiene and equipment use, including nitrile gloves to reduce cross-contamination, are vital in mitigating these dangers.

Telehealth enables remote consultations, monitoring, and management of chronic conditions, reducing the need for high-risk individuals to visit health care facilities.

Telehealth as a Solution for Reducing Infection Risks

Patients can receive assessments, prescriptions, and follow-up care through video calls, phone consultations, and remote monitoring devices without leaving their homes. This reduces exposure to pathogens commonly found in medical settings.

For instance, a patient with a compromised immune system can discuss symptoms with a doctor via a secure platform, avoiding the risk of contracting a respiratory virus from a waiting room. Telehealth decreases health care-associated infections (HAIs) by limiting physical interactions, making it an invaluable tool for high-risk groups.

Best Practices for Infection Prevention in Telehealth and Home Care

While telehealth reduces in-person contact, home care settings still require careful protocols to prevent infections, including:

1. Patient screening and assessment

Effective infection prevention begins with thorough screening. Telehealth enables providers to assess patients remotely for signs of infection, such as fever or respiratory distress, before deciding if in-person care is necessary.

This triage process helps identify risks early and limits unnecessary exposure. For home care, initial virtual assessments can guide caregivers on precautions to take during visits, such as isolating a patient with a contagious condition.

2. Proper hand hygiene

Hand hygiene remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections.

Although telehealth reduces physical interactions, home care providers may still need to visit patients occasionally or assist with remote monitoring equipment. Caregivers must wash their hands with soap and water and use alcohol-based sanitizers before and after patient contact.

Telehealth providers can reinforce this practice by educating caregivers and patients during virtual sessions, ensuring compliance even in nonclinical settings.

3. Personal protective equipment (PPE)

When home visits are unavoidable, PPE is critical in safeguarding patients and caregivers. Depending on the patient's condition and the nature of the visit, health care providers should use appropriate PPE, such as gloves, masks, gowns, or face shields.

It is equally important for patients to understand when PPE is necessary, especially if caregivers need to visit them. Proper PPE use and disposal training can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination between patients and health care workers.

4. Cleaning and disinfection of equipment

Shared medical devices, like blood pressure cuffs or glucometers, must be cleaned and disinfected between uses. In-home care, caregivers must follow manufacturer guidelines and use appropriate disinfectants to eliminate contaminants.

Telehealth platforms can supplement this by offering visual demonstrations or checklists to ensure equipment remains sterile, reducing the risk of cross-infection.

5. Patient education and engagement

Empowering patients with knowledge enhances infection prevention efforts. Through telehealth, providers can teach high-risk patients and their families about recognizing infection symptoms, maintaining a clean living space, and adhering to medication schedules. Engaged patients are more likely to follow protocols, such as isolating during illness, which helps contain potential outbreaks.

6. Virtual education and support

Telehealth extends beyond consultations to provide ongoing education and emotional support. Virtual workshops or one-on-one sessions can address topics like wound care or respiratory hygiene tailored to a patient’s needs. This continuous guidance fosters a proactive approach to infection prevention, particularly for those managing complex conditions at home.

7. Monitoring and follow-ups

Regular monitoring is crucial for high-risk patients; telehealth facilitates this without requiring office visits. Wearable devices can track vital signs, such as heart rate or oxygen levels, transmitting data to providers in real time. Follow-up appointments conducted virtually allow for timely interventions if an infection is suspected, preventing escalation and reducing reliance on emergency care.

Future of Telehealth in Infection Prevention and Home Care

The future of telehealth in reducing infection risks for high-risk patients looks promising. As technology continues to evolve, several key trends are expected to shape the role of telehealth in infection prevention and home care:

Artificial intelligence in diagnostics: AI-powered tools can analyze patient data to predict infection risks, enabling earlier interventions based on subtle trends in symptoms or vital signs.

Advanced wearable technology: Next-generation sensors will provide more precise monitoring of health metrics and promptly alert providers to potential infections.

Smart home integration: Devices like air purifiers or UV sanitizers could sync with telehealth systems, creating safer home environments tailored to patient needs.

Expanded connectivity: Improved internet access in rural and underserved areas will broaden telehealth’s reach, ensuring more patients benefit from remote care.

Integration of telehealth with electronic health records (EHR) will improve communication between healthcare providers, streamline patient care, and ensure a more holistic approach to managing infection risks and chronic conditions.

Enhancing Infection Prevention with Telehealth and Home Care

Telehealth and home care are transforming health care delivery, particularly for high-risk patients more vulnerable to infections. These remote care options reduce the need for inperson visits and provide continuous monitoring and care, which helps minimize exposure to potentially harmful pathogens.

However, to maximize infection prevention, health care providers and patients must follow best practices for hygiene, equipment maintenance, patient education, and monitoring. As technology advances and telehealth continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play an increasingly vital role in reducing infection risks and improving the quality of life for high-risk patients.