Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tele-nursing, which utilizes digital health tools, has the potential to enhance the management of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). However, patients' awareness, needs, and barriers to using these services are not well understood. This study employed qualitative interviews to explore the perceptions of patients with T2DM towards tele-nursing and to identify factors influencing their adoption, with the aim of providing tailored strategies for effective service implementation. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative research design was used. From June to August 2023, a purposive sampling method was used to select 20 T2DM patients from a hospital, following the principle of maximum variation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: insufficient awareness and willingness to use tele-nursing, the need for tele-nursing services, facilitators of tele-nursing, and barriers to tele-nursing. CONCLUSION: The awareness of tele-nursing among T2DM patients needs significant improvement. Patients expressed clear demands for tele-nursing services, including health education, dietary guidance, blood sugar monitoring, and medication reminders. However, the adoption of tele-nursing is influenced by factors such as service accessibility, scope, technological challenges, and associated costs. Tele-nursing should address the specialized nursing needs of T2DM patients by leveraging remote technology to provide personalized and flexible care options that align with their evolving requirements.