A study by the ITACA Institute of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) and the Department of Nursing of the Universitat de València highlights the potential of digital tools in primary care, especially in the field of nursing. However, it also points to the need to improve certain aspects, such as training and digital literacy in both patients and professionals.

Under the title ‘Use of tele-nursing in primary care: qualitative study on its negative and positive aspects‘, Olga Navarro-Martínez (UV), together with Antonio Martínez-Millana and Vicente Traver (ITACA-UPV), analyse the perceptions of nursing professionals on the use of digital technologies in their daily activity.

The study, published in the scientific journal ‘Atención primaria‘, is based on the reality that, since its accelerated implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic, tele-nursing has demonstrated its value in communication and patient monitoring. However, different rates of adoption and implementation have been observed.

For this reason, the UPV and UV team conducted a qualitative study to directly analyse the opinions of professionals and explore the limitations and growth potential of digital tools.

‘We conducted it with 68 nursing professionals who participated in a course we gave on the use of ICTs in healthcare. Although the sample does not represent the entire professional group, its direct approach provides valuable information to understand the needs and perspectives of nurses in this regard,’ the authors of the paper emphasise.

Benefits and barriers to tele-nursing

Among its conclusions, the study by the ITACA Institute of the UPV and the UV Department of Nursing concludes that tele-nursing has great potential to humanise healthcare, as it improves communication with patients and encourages a closer and more motivating follow-up. It can also promote healthy lifestyles and greater self-care for patients.

However, the researchers point to significant barriers, such as the lack of training and digital literacy in both patients and professionals. These limitations can slow the adoption of these tools and lead to inequalities in access to health services.

‘Longlife learning and institutional support are essential to overcome these barriers and take full advantage of the opportunities offered by tele-nursing’, says the study.

A promising future if equity is ensured

The report highlights the ability of tele-nursing to optimise resources and improve the sustainability of the healthcare system.

‘However, its implementation must be careful, ensuring that all patients can benefit equitably. This work highlights the importance of inclusive telehealth care, contributing to a more humane, efficient and sustainable healthcare practice. Ultimately, telehealthcare is presented as a transformative tool that, with the right support, can make a difference in primary care,’ concludes the research.

Reference

Olga Navarro-Martínez, Antonio Martinez-Millana, Vicente Traver, Use of tele-nursing in primary care: A qualitative study on its negative and positive aspects, Atención Primaria, Volume 56, Issue 5, 2024, 102843, ISSN 0212-6567, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aprim.2023.102843.