Brief discusses virtual nursing challenges, policy implications

Virtual nursing can meaningfully expand access to care and improve nurse well-being, but leaders need to address challenges effectively, an American Academy of Nursing brief said. Health care and policy leaders need to consider the digital divide, misinformation about technology and disparate internet access across regions when designing and implementing models. They also need to consider the risks of internet and power outages, cybersecurity breaches and virtual platform breakdowns. In addition, policy makers must address a reliance on waivers for implementation and licensing requirements limiting nurses’ ability to practice across state lines virtually. Updated standards and competencies need to be developed, and quality and safety standard should be adapted for the virtual care environment.