Telemedicine and e-Health in Nursing Practice: A Systematic Review of Global Evidence (2018–2024)

Abstract

Background: The rapid evolution of Information Technology has profoundly transformed healthcare delivery, reshaping clinical practice and professional roles. In nursing, the integration of telemedicine and e-Health applications has emerged as a key strategy for improving care accessibility, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
Aim: This systematic review examines global practices in telemedicine and digital health applications in nursing between 2018 and 2024.
Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in the PubMed and SpringerLink databases, focusing on English-language studies addressing digital health systems and telehealth interventions in nursing care.
Results: A total of 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that most e-Health applications are designed for widely used mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, facilitating remote monitoring and communication. Telenursing interventions were associated with improved patient-perceived stability, enhanced continuity of care, and increased professional satisfaction among healthcare providers. However, successful implementation depends on affordability, user acceptance, adequate training, and robust data protection measures. Although institutional and organizational barriers previously limited the adoption of telehealth services, recent years demonstrate a growing strategic shift toward digital integration.
Conclusions: Evidence suggests that structured telenursing programs may contribute to cost reduction and improved resource allocation within healthcare systems. Increasingly, healthcare units are implementing telemedicine initiatives using internal infrastructures and resources.