The health sector has been struggling with nursing staff shortages for years. On top of that, rising patient demand and an ageing population are putting intense pressure on healthcare services. While virtual consultations won’t solve every problem, they can offer meaningful support to nurses on the front line. My research into virtual consultation use in community healthcare shows that, when done well, they help nurses work more efficiently while maintaining high-quality patient care.
Reducing the Miles on the Road
Community nurses often spend much of their day travelling between patient homes. A report by The King’s Fund found that district nurses can spend up to 40% of their working hours on the road. That’s valuable time lost to traffic and logistics.
Virtual consultations allow nurses to check in with patients remotely, cutting out many unnecessary trips. Less travel means more time for direct patient care, faster response times for urgent needs, and less fatigue for nursing staff. In busy community teams, that time saved can make a real difference to both nurses and patients.
Giving Care Home Staff a Lifeline
Care home staff regularly depend on community nurses or GPs for advice and clinical input. However, getting timely support can be a challenge, especially during periods of high demand. Virtual consultations make it easier for care home teams to connect with nurses quickly. By offering advice remotely, nurses can help care homes manage patient needs more effectively, reducing avoidable emergency calls and hospital admissions.
Smarter Triage and Follow-Ups
Not every patient requires an in-person visit. Virtual consultations help nurses assess a patient’s situation remotely before deciding on the next steps. For people managing long-term conditions like diabetes or COPD, virtual check-ins can replace some routine face-to-face appointments, freeing up home visits for patients who need urgent or complex care.
This approach helps nurses prioritise their time and ensures that those with the greatest need receive in-person care faster.
Keeping Skilled Nurses in the Workforce
The physical demands of community nursing can drive experienced staff to leave earlier than planned. Virtual consultations offer a way to retain senior nurses by giving them the option to provide remote clinical advice, mentoring, and supervision. Their expertise can still benefit patients and junior staff without requiring the same physical workload.
For healthcare providers facing workforce shortages, this is an important way to keep valuable experience within the system.
What’s Standing in the Way?
Virtual consultations are not a fix-all solution. They have limits and need to be introduced carefully. One of the biggest challenges is digital access. Some patients, particularly older people or those living in disadvantaged areas, don’t have the technology or digital skills needed to take part in a virtual consultation.
Clinical limitations are also important to consider. Some assessments simply require a physical examination and can’t be done remotely. Nurses need to balance virtual consultations with in-person visits to ensure patients still get safe, effective care.
Finally, staff training plays a major role. Without proper support and guidance, nurses may feel uncertain about using virtual consultation tools, which can limit adoption and reduce their benefits.
A Tool to Support Nurses, Not Replace Them
Virtual consultations aren’t about replacing traditional nursing care—they are about giving nurses more flexibility and support. My research shows that when healthcare providers invest in the right technology, provide effective training, and address issues like digital exclusion, virtual consultations can become a valuable part of community care.
By cutting down unnecessary travel, supporting care home teams, and helping retain experienced staff, virtual consultations can help nurses focus more time on what matters most—caring for patients.
Virtual Health Hub 