Background and Aims: The transition to home care for premature infants post-discharge is critical for their ongoing health and development.
Tele-homecare has emerged as a promising approach to support families during this transition. However, its effectiveness and acceptance among healthcare providers remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate and compare the experiences of nurses and physicians regarding the use of tele-homecare for premature infants following their discharge from neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Methods: A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing conventional content analysis to explore the perspectives of healthcare providers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ۵۵ healthcare professionals (۳۰ nurses and ۲۵ physicians) from three NICUs affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Participants were purposively sampled, and data collection was carried out over five months, from October ۲۰۲۲ to February ۲۰۲۳, until data saturation was reached. Results: The analysis revealed two main components: the benefits and challenges of tele-homecare. Participants highlighted the advantages of tele-homecare, including continuous monitoring and parental support, which alleviated anxiety and enhanced caregiving confidence. However, concerns were raised about the ambiguous roles of healthcare providers in teleconsultation, emphasizing the need for clearer guidelines and training. Conclusion: The findings underscore a significant gap in research regarding healthcare professionals' perspectives on tele-homecare for premature infants. Implementing a structured telecare follow-up initiative could enhance care quality while empowering parents in their caregiving roles. Addressing identified challenges through targeted training and systematization can optimize tele-homecare implementation, ultimately improving health outcomes for premature infants. Keywords: Tele-homecare, Premature Infants, Neonatal Intensive care
