Recommendations From a Health Care Provider’s Perspective for Better Implementation of Telemedicine and Telenursing: Descriptive Qualitative Approach

Abstract Background Digital technology-based health care services like telemedicine and telenursing are expanding quickly globally. Although the use of telemedicine and telenursing has shown promise, there are a number of obstacles to overcome. Objective This study aimed to determine the experiences of stakeholders with using telenursing and telemedicine during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This study combined descriptive qualitative analysis using a focus group discussion (FGD) and validation using a review of the literature. The literature search used a convenience approach with the keywords benefits, advantages, disadvantages, obstacles, and constraints of telenursing or telemedicine to find relevant journal articles. Two FGDs were conducted during the COVID-19 period, namely 2020‐2022, with the first FGD held in 2022. The second FGD was conducted in 2023‐2024 to determine the implementation of telenursing and telemedicine during the recovery period, with data collection in 2024. The FGDs were conducted via the online Zoom platform, and a total of 23 participants were selected based on purposive sampling. People involved in the development and implementation of telemedicine or telenursing were included. Data analysis was conducted in 2 stages: the first using an inductive method, which was followed by triangulation using a deductive method. The results were verified and validated based on the reviewed literature. Results We identified three themes: (1) health care providers have experience using telemedicine/telenursing; (2) telemedicine and telenursing have many benefits; and (3) telemedicine and telenursing have 5M (method, man, money, material, and machine) factors that must be anticipated. Key statements were identified and validated, then matched with the literature review. Conclusions The benefits and barriers of telemedicine and telenursing were identified. For telemedicine to run smoothly, preparation of 5M elements is necessary. Implications for health care services necessitate the creation of operational guidelines for the implementation of telemedicine and telenursing.