Explanation

Telehealth practice requires a backup communication plan for technical failures, which should be established during the informed consent process before telehealth services begin. This plan should include an alternative phone number for the patient, the patient's emergency contact information, and a clear protocol for what happens if the connection is lost. When a technical failure occurs during a clinically sensitive moment such as trauma processing, the PMHNP must take immediate action to re-establish contact and assess the patient's safety. The abrupt disconnection during trauma work can be psychologically destabilizing and may feel like abandonment, particularly for patients with attachment-related trauma.

Key Takeaway

Telehealth requires a backup communication plan for technical failures.