Integrative Biomedical Research
Integrative Biomedical Research (Journal of Angiotherapy) | Online ISSN 3068-6326
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Volume 8 Number 8 2024
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)
Reimagining Emergency Department–to–Home Transitions Through Virtual Nursing Support: A Systematic Review
Mohammed Jassim M. Alhussain 1*, Mutlaq Shabab Huwaydi Alotaibi 1, Ahmed Mohammed Alabdulsalam 1, Faisal Nuairan Sakab Alshammari 1, Mohammed T. Alshammari 1, Shimah Alhelo T. Alrowaily 1, Ahmed Faris Ahmed Alshihri 1, Abdulrahman Saleh Mohammed Alnami 1, Nasser Mohammed Ali Alshahrani 1, Salman Faleh Alshammeri 1, Abdulrahman Abduimhsan Salih Alyousef 1, Salem Eid Alsulami 1, Bandar Soud Alhaissoni 1, Muath Saad Alsultan 1, Ibrahim Abdullah Alquayt 1, Fahad Nasser Alajmi 1, Yaser Eid Aloufi 1
Journal of Angiotherapy 8 (8) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/angiotherapy.8810526
Submitted: 03 June 2024 Revised: 22 August 2024 Accepted: 26 August 2024 Published: 28 August 2024
Abstract
Transitions from the Emergency Department (ED) to home are often overwhelming moments for patients and families. After a stressful visit, they leave with new instructions, unfamiliar medications, and unanswered questions—all while coping with symptoms that may still be unfolding. Traditional discharge processes, though well-intentioned, are frequently rushed and constrained by the fast pace of the ED. As a result, many patients struggle once they return home, leading to medication errors, avoidable complications, and repeat visits that could have been prevented with more timely support. This systematic review explores how virtual nursing triage and follow-up can meaningfully transform this vulnerable care transition. Drawing on evidence published between 2010 and 2024 across PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science, we examined studies in which ED nurses used telehealth—primarily video follow-up calls—to monitor wound healing, confirm medication understanding, support appointment adherence, and identify clinical issues early. Across 40 included studies, a consistent story emerges: patients experience better outcomes when nurses stay connected after discharge. Virtual follow-up reduced 7-day and 30-day ED revisit rates by 15% to 42%, improved medication adherence, and strengthened continuity with primary care. Patients also reported feeling more supported, less anxious, and more confident in managing their recovery at home. While challenges such as technology barriers, workflow integration, and reimbursement concerns remain, the overall evidence highlights a model that truly meets patients where they are. Virtual nursing follow-up offers a compassionate, proactive, and scalable way to close the ED-to-home gap. Future work should focus on standardized protocols, sustainable funding, and digital equity so every patient can benefit from this promising approach.
Keywords: virtual nursing follow-up, telehealth, emergency department discharge, transitions of care, telenursing, patient safety, video follow-up, remote monitoring
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