Advances in technology offer opportunities to treat patients remotely. David Barrett explores their effectiveness and how such innovations are changing the way nurses work

Long-term conditions have a negative effect on the lives of older people and those who care for them. As the population ages, so the prevalence of long-term conditions increases, which presents substantial challenges to providers of health and social care. This article examines how telemonitoring could help to meet some of these challenges. Telemonitoring involves patients at home recording vital signs, for example, blood pressure and pulse, and transmitting this information electronically to nurses based elsewhere. Nurses can then use these data to identify signs of deterioration, intervene promptly and prevent admission to hospital.

There is some evidence that this form of care is popular with patients and can improve clinical outcomes. However, nurses should ensure that they understand the opportunities and difficulties presented by telemonitoring, develop the skills necessary to use it effectively and put themselves at the forefront of this innovative method of supporting care provision.