Digital communication services facilitating nurse–patient dialog for home dwelling older adults: A scoping review

BACKGROUND: The global aging population presents significant challenges for healthcare systems, as older adults often face chronic illnesses, functional limitations, and emotional challenges. Effective communication between nurses and home-dwelling older adults plays a key role in assessing needs, coordinating services, and ensuring quality care. Digital communication services have emerged as promising tools to enhance nurse-patient dialog. However, barriers such as physical or cognitive impairments, limited digital literacy, and usability challenges hinder their adoption and effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to map existing evidence on how digital communication services facilitate nurse-patient dialog for home-dwelling older adults. DESIGN: A scoping review was performed following Arksey and O'Malley's framework. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was carried out in April 2024 with an updated search in May 2025, across five electronic databases: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL (EBSCOhost) and Web of Science. RESULTS: A total of 37 studies were included in the review, highlighting the overarching theme of "nodes in the digital nurse-patient communication", with three main themes: (1) digital communication services, (2) dynamic nurse-patient relationship and, (3) challenges in maintaining effective dialog. CONCLUSION: Digital communication services, such as mobile applications, telemonitoring systems, and video conferencing, have the potential to enhance nurse-patient interactions by improving safety, efficiency, and emotional well-being. However, success depends on addressing usability challenges and supporting nurses with adequate resources. While digital tools cannot fully replicate trust, empathy, and dignity fostered through in-person interactions, hybrid care models integrating digital tools with in-person visits may offer promising approaches to delivering person-centered, dignified care that empowers older adults to live independently and securely in their homes.