Nurses' Experiences and Responses to telehealth Technology

Abstract

Telehealth is rapidly growing, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, and has changed the way healthcare professionals work. Nurses are now using digital tools to care for patients, and are learning new skills and new ways to work. While telehealth is gaining momentum, such as making care more accessible and saving time, it also faces challenges, such as how to communicate effectively, use technology and properly organize care.

The purpose of this thesis is to describe nurses’ experiences in using telehealth technology in clinical work. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed to conduct a descriptive literature search. Six articles were selected and thoroughly reviewed in PubMed, CINAHL, NIH, MEDLINE, and Finna. Inductive content analysis was conducted to analyse their findings.

Five main themes were identified: expanded care opportunities and flexible nursing roles; emotional burden and professional stress in digital care; barriers to therapeutic communication and nurse–patient relationships; need for professional development and digital competence; and changing nursing practices through digital tools. These illustrate both the strengths and challenges nurses face in telehealth.

To effectively use telehealth, nurses need to improve their digital skills, receive appropriate training, and ensure clear communication. If they promote professional development, successful nurses will provide quality and safe care for a digital world.