Mapping Nursing Telemedicine Practices: A Scoping Review of Models, Outcomes, and Professional Roles.

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: The rapid expansion of telemedicine has reshaped healthcare delivery, positioning telenursing as essential for continuity of care and patient management. This scoping review maps current evidence on telecare nursing practices, examining organizational models, professional roles, and key clinical and organizational outcomes. <b>Methods</b>: The review was conducted across five international databases, following the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley, the interpretive extension by Levac et al., and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, with reporting aligned to PRISMA-ScR recommendations. The search identified 1760 records, of which 1219 remained after duplicate removal. After title and abstract screening and full-text evaluation, 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. <b>Results</b>: Telenursing was implemented across diverse clinical contexts, particularly in chronic disease management, oncology, postoperative care, and emergency settings. Evidence indicates improvements in symptom management, therapeutic adherence, quality of life, and complication reduction, suggesting positive clinical and organizational impacts. The literature highlights the need for advanced digital, communication, and relational competencies, emphasizing the importance of targeted professional training. Cross-cutting trends include enhanced continuity of care, greater patient autonomy, improved integration between hospital and community services, and reduced healthcare costs. <b>Conclusions</b>: This review provides an updated overview of telenursing applications, highlighting their adaptability across clinical settings and the expanding strategic role of nurses in digital care. The findings indicate a rapidly evolving field and emphasize the need for further research to strengthen organizational frameworks, define advanced competencies, and support the sustainable integration of telenursing into healthcare systems.