Remotely Monitored Patients' Experiences of the Interpersonal Patient-Nurse Relationship: A Scoping Review

To explore what has been published in peer-reviewed journals on patients' experiences of the interpersonal relationship between the patient and the nurse when the patient's health data are remotely monitored in an out-of-clinic setting.

Interpersonal relationships are considered a cornerstone in person-centred care and nursing. These relationships can be influenced by context and environment. Remote patient monitoring is increasing within healthcare, with the potential to impact on the relationship between the patient and the nurse. So far, there has been limited knowledge on a general basis of how remotely monitored patients experience this relationship.

Original peer-reviewed studies in English, published year 2014-2024. Patients 18 years and over in an out-of-clinic setting, having their health data collected through remote patient monitoring by nurses exclusively or as part of a multiprofessional team. Patients' experiences/attitudes/perspectives/perceptions of the patient-nurse relationship.

The research method was based on the Joanna Briggs Institute's method for scoping reviews and the PRISMA checklist for scoping reviews was used when reporting the review. In total, four databases were used in the literature search. Thematic analysis was used for analysing the results.

Out of 9001 articles, 31 studies were included in the review. Thematic analysis resulted in three clusters covering relational aspects and emotional responses of the patient-nurse relationship during remote monitoring. These clusters were Relational aspects of patient-nurse communication and interaction, Emotional aspects of the patient-nurse relationship and Patient participation.

Remote patient monitoring is primarily a human-to-human activity. In general, but not solely, patients perceive positive relational experiences with nurses during remote monitoring. Remote patient monitoring can and should be delivered with a person-centred and ethically aware approach. Thus, the acts and efforts of the monitoring nurse play a central role in providing a positive relationship-based experience during remote patient monitoring.