Nurses developing confidence and competence in telehealth: results of a descriptive qualitative study

Background: The widespread use of telehealth brings benefits to improve access to healthcare for rural and remote populations.Objective: This study explores what nurses considered important to confidently and competently participate in telehealth.Design: A descriptive qualitative approach was selected.Methods: Nine New Zealand Registered Nurses who worked in different clinical settings who use telehealth were identified through snowball sampling, and participated in single semi-structured interviews, which were thematically analysed using a general inductive approach.Findings: The nurses' experience of using telehealth, from novice to becoming more proficient, was the main theme identified, with sub-themes of: Initial use of telehealth, hands-on training, specialty experience, mentorship and technological know-how. The confidence of nurses using telehealth in this study may reflect their clinical nursing experience.Conclusion: Recommendations include the need for more telehealth education and preparation, including incorporating telehealth in under and postgraduate nursing programmes. Additionally, specific telehealth nursing competencies are warranted.