Telehealth and Digital Nursing Care: A Review of Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Telehealth and digital technologies have transformed nursing practice, enhancing care delivery amid evolving healthcare demands. This review synthesizes literature from 2018 to 2025 to evaluate opportunities and challenges in telehealth integration within nursing, particularly in pediatric, medical-surgical, and chronic disease contexts. Objectives include assessing improved access, patient outcomes, and role expansion for nurses while identifying barriers to equitable adoption. A systematic approach reviewed peer-reviewed articles, scoping studies, and reports from databases like PubMed and PMC, focusing on nurse-led virtual care models. Key findings reveal opportunities such as expanded access for rural and underserved populations, reducing travel burdens and enabling real-time monitoring via apps and wearables. Cost efficiencies arise from fewer hospitalizations, with nurse interventions yielding better hypertension control, mental health support, and patient empowerment through self-management tools. Virtual nurse teams foster hybrid care, aligning with evidence-based practices in patient safety and neuroprotective monitoring. Challenges persist, including digital divides from poor connectivity and low literacy, excluding vulnerable groups like the elderly. Regulatory inconsistencies in licensure, reimbursement, and data privacy under evolving laws complicate implementation. Technical glitches and training gaps limit physical assessments, fostering resistance among clinicians. In conclusion, telehealth promises revolutionary nursing advancements but demands standardized training, infrastructure investments, and policy reforms for inclusivity. Future directions emphasize AI-driven optimization and quality assurance, supporting multidisciplinary roles in pharmaceutical and clinical settings. Equitable digital nursing can elevate care reliability and outcomes globally.