Virtual nursing in residential aged care: A rapid evidence review

Author : Yvonne Wells, Samantha Clune

Abstract :Aims: To review current evidence on the implementation and impact of virtual nursing care in long term aged care. Design: An integrative rapid literature review. Data sources: Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, Ageline, and Scopus. Review methods: The review identified studies involving virtual care interventions provided by nurses (or by a multidisciplinary team including nurses) to older people in residential aged care and was conducted consistent with PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they reported health outcomes or stakeholder experiences. Databases were systematically searched in July and August 2024, focusing on literature published since 2014. Studies were screened in Covidence by three team members, with conflicts resolved by additional reviewers. Studies not involving nurses or not set in aged care were excluded. Results: The search identified 13 studies with quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method approaches, conducted in rural and metropolitan locations and in both Australian and international settings. Nurses were often involved as part of an existing virtual care program, typically located in a hospital. The training and credentials of nurses delivering VN varied in terms of specialization and advanced practice. The model of care in general was ad hoc, though in some cases there were regular, scheduled VN consultations. The time requirements for onsite staff and nurses were not well articulated in any of the studies, and information on the funding models used and resident experience was also lacking.

Keywords :Conclusion: There is some evidence that VN interventions in aged care may improve communication, enhance person centred care, and reduce emergency department presentations and hospitalizations

Conference Name :International Conference on Aging, Gerontology & Geriatric Nursing (ICAGGN-25)

Conference Place Toulouse, France

Conference Date 26th Aug 2025