Differences in personality and illness explained both caring burden and mental health among caregivers. To mitigate the caring burden and mental health problems among home-dwelling caregivers, public health services need to take into account the personality and gender of the caregiver, and also the disease of the ill partner.

The aim of this literature review is to bring to the forefront knowledge about the suitability of videoconferencing in nursing for patients and their families living at home. A systematic literature review that included studies of videoconferencing in nursing care. Inclusion criteria were original studies relevant to concept of study. Computerized bibliographic databases (PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO) were searched from January 2008 to October 2016. In total, 325 articles were identified. Eight articles (1539 participants) met the inclusion criteria, and were finally included. The eight articles covered videoconferencing used in follow-up care for patients living in their homes after surgery, postpartum, chronic illnesses, families with premature infants, and children with cancer. A conventional content analysis was conducted. The results show that the success of videoconferencing depends on satisfying network access. Nurses as well as patients thought videoconferencing was similar to meeting in person. Videoconferencing seems to support person-centred nursing, promote selfmanagement and motivate patients and families to engage in their health. The use of videoconferencing requires further organization of the nursing practice. The study indicates that videoconferencing can be a suitable alternative to traditional nursing follow-up when network access and technology function properly and the nursing service is well organized. Videoconferencing seems to underpin person-centred nursing. Knowledge gaps identified, more research needed as bases for assessment of videoconferencing suitability in nursing for individual persons in different treatment situations.

Background This article examines personnel and patient experiences of videoconferencing (VC) trials on tablet computers between oncology certified nurses (OCNs) and patients with cancer who live at home. The study points to organizational pitfalls during the introduction process. In many different arenas, the use of VC has increased recently owing to improved Internet access and capacity. This creates new opportunities for contact between patients living at home and their nurses. Video conferencing presupposes knowledge about Internet access, training, and usability of technological equipment. The aim of this pilot study was to illuminate patients' and nurses' experiences of the technical functionality, usability, and training of tablet use in VC in primary cancer care. The results point to the drawbacks concerning the introduction of VC. Method A pilot study with an explorative design was used to describe patients' and OCNs' experiences of technical functionality and usability of VC on tablet computers. After a three-month trial, data were gathered, focusing on both patients' and nurses' perspectives. Individual interviews with four female OCNs, aged 32–65 (mean 46), and six patients with cancer, two men and four women aged 49–78 (mean 69), were content-analyzed. Results The analysis revealed two main categories: network connectivity and tablet usability and training and educational pitfalls. Conclusion When planning VC implementation, the organizational leadership should consider network access and stability, as well as individualized VC training on tablets. Ensuring patient safety should also be a priority. Further research should provide knowledge of technological and educational pitfalls, and possible implications of VC on the care quality of nursing.

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