Exploring district nurses’ experiences with digital encounters in primary healthcare: a qualitative pilot study

Source: PubMed Central Open Access, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Background Primary healthcare (PHC) is often a person’s first contact with the healthcare system and they often meet district nurses. The need and demand for digital care encounters are increasing in healthcare services. The aim of this study was to highlight district nurses' experiences of working with digital care encounters in PHC. Methods In this pilot study, a qualitative descriptive design was used to gain a deeper understanding of district nurses’ experiences. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis according to Graneheim and Lundman []. Results The analysis resulted in one overarching theme and four categories. District nurses in PHC experienced digital patient encounters as complex, captured in the theme “complexity in navigating digital care in PHC.”, Four categories were identified: “digital care encounters entail opportunities”; “obstacles in digital care encounters”; “the impact of digital interaction on the patient encounter”; and “expectations and development needs in digital PHC.” Conclusion Digital care encounters represent a new and complex aspect of district nursing that should be considered in implementation. Clearer routines and guidelines may support both nurses and patients in optimising digital care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-026-03410-6. Abs1