Telehomecare as a Catalyst for a Multifaceted Transformation Towards Sustainable Practices: A Qualitative Study From a Practical Nurses' Perspective.
Rydgren Melanie, Andtfolk Malin, Anåker Anna and 2 others
PMID 40411199WHAT IT FOUND
Nurses described remote home visits as helping clients manage independently, reducing travel and waste, and strengthening relationships, but warned that fixed cameras miss assessment cues and medication safety.
Key findings
01Nurses perceived telehomecare as supporting client self-management and living at home through more consistent contact with the same nurse.
02Nurses reported that fixed cameras limited visual assessment, making it hard to verify nutrition, hygiene, medication and insulin administration.
03Nurses linked telehomecare to less travel and single-use waste, while also noting greater electricity use and e-waste.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study was done in one well-being services county in Finland, so homecare systems and distances may differ elsewhere. It reports perceptions of caregivers, not patients or measured patient outcomes. All participants were female practical nurses, so experiences may not represent other genders or professions. The sample was small, although the authors considered it sufficient for information power. Sustainability dimensions were introduced before interviews, which may have shaped answers. Digital interviews could have missed non-verbal cues and contextual aspects. Thematic analysis is subjective and researchers' backgrounds may have influenced themes.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was funded by Åbo Akademi University.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude telehomecare improves patient outcomes, safety or sustainability. The study reports nurses' perceptions in one service, not measured health results or environmental data.