Opportunities, challenges, and ethical implications of online pediatric nutrition consultation: a nursing perspective

Against the backdrop of rapid global expansion in digital healthcare and growing demand for child nutrition services, this perspective article examines the emerging model of online pediatric nutrition consultation. We argue that while this model offers significant potential to improve accessibility and efficiency, it faces multidimensional challenges. These include technical barriers such as the digital divide and limitations in remote assessment; professional practice issues like constrained communication and inadequate adaptation of clinical tools; and ethical complexities related to privacy, accountability, and equity. To support its responsible development, this perspective article applies a nursing ethics framework—centered on autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice—to analyze these challenges. We further propose integrated strategies focusing on ethics-guided practice, technological standardization, professional competency development, and supportive policy ecosystems to ensure that innovation aligns with safe, equitable, and person-centered care.