COMPETENCIES OF NURSE MANAGERS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TELEHEALTH AND DIGITAL HEALTH IN HEALTH SERVICES: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

In recent times, the digital transformation of health services has expanded the use of telehealth as a strategy to improve the quality of care, optimize care processes, and increase population access to health services. In this context, the nurse manager plays a strategic role in driving the organizational changes necessary for implementing digital technologies. This study aimed to identify, within the scientific literature, the essential competencies for nurse managers regarding the use of telehealth and digital health in nursing practice. This integrative literature review was conducted following the stages proposed by Whittemore and Knafl and guided by PRISMA 2020 recommendations. The guiding question was formulated based on the PICo strategy, and searches were performed between May and June 2026 across the following databases: SciELO, Virtual Health Library (VHL/BVS), COFEN, UERJ, Ânima Educação, and Cegraf-UFG. The results highlighted three thematic areas: managerial competencies for implementing telehealth and digital health; challenges and potential of digital transformation in health services; training, continuing education, and competency development for digital health leadership. The study demonstrated that leadership, strategic planning, communication, evidence-based decision-making, mastery of digital technologies, and change management are indispensable competencies for nurse managers. Challenges related to technological infrastructure, connectivity, information security, and continuous professional qualification were identified. Thus, strengthening the managerial and digital competencies of nurse managers combined with investment in continuing education and public policies focused on innovations essential for consolidating telehealth and digital health as permanent strategies for improving the quality of care provided by nursing professionals.