J Adv Nurs . 2026 Apr; Virtual Nursing in Residential Aged Care: What Is Known? A Rapid Review

This academic review examines the current landscape of virtual nursing within long-term elderly care, analyzing thirteen studies to understand how remote medical support impacts residents and staff. The research highlights that while these digital interventions are often organized outside of standardized frameworks, they frequently involve specialized nurses providing both scheduled and emergency consultations from hospital hubs. Preliminary findings suggest that these programs can significantly reduce hospital admissions and improve the quality of personalized communication between caregivers and patients. Ultimately, the authors argue that while the technology shows promise for enhancing efficiency, there is an urgent need for rigorous evaluation and clearer funding models to ensure these remote services are sustainable and effective.