Impact of nurse scientist-led digital health interventions on management of chronic conditions

Background: Chronic conditions are a major contributor to the burden of disease worldwide. Using innovative digital health technologies, nurse scientists are well-positioned to lead efforts to reduce the burden of chronic conditions on individuals, communities, and systems. Purpose: The purpose of this review was to summarize the outcomes commonly measured in nurse-led digital health interventions that target chronic conditions and pose recommendations for the education of future nurse scientists to lead these studies. Methods: A rapid review of the literature was completed using CINAHL and Ovid Emcare. Studies were included if the research: a) was led by a nurse; b) described outcomes of a digital health intervention; and c) included any population with a prevalent chronic condition. Findings: 26 studies were included in this review. Nurse-led digital health interventions are being used to support and manage a range of chronic conditions in varied settings. Discussion: Digital health interventions are changing the delivery of healthcare for individuals living with chronic conditions. These interventions are bridging the gaps between the digital and physical worlds and are rapidly evolving. Conclusion: The recommendations posed in this review reiterate the importance of robust content and methods education for nurse scientists to address future research needs in a digital era.