Mid Sweden University

Introduction: Remote healthcare is developing at a rapid pace, in order to create a high quality, efficient and financially sustainable care. This study aimed to illuminate nurses’ experiences and competencies with digital care meetings after receiving education in Digital Competence in Care.

Method: Thematic content analysis was chosen to illuminate nurses´ experiences and competencies changes over time. The study was conducted in primary healthcare and hospital units in mid-Sweden. Six female nurses were interviewed two- and ten- months after completing Digital Competence in Care education. These narrative interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed separately to be woven together and reflected upon with a comprehensive understanding.

Results: The education in Digital Competence in Care contributed to safety and opportunity to develop new ways of working to create closeness and cooperation, despite being at a distance. The transition from physical to digital care meetings was accelerated by the pandemic and provided an understanding of the problems related to digital technology.

Conclusions: The findings show that education created safety and was translated into clinical know-how. Future studies should focus on evidence-based digital care to continue the development of digital care meetings.