Background: Premature infants frequently face unique developmental challenges requiring specialized post-birth interventions. Digital health solutions, particularly remote follow-up platforms, offer a promising avenue to enhance infant well-being by bolstering parental competence in providing effective care after hospital discharge. However, the efficacy and implementation of such virtual care models for neonatal follow-up remain a subject of discussion. This research aimed to explore and contrast the experiences of nursing and medical professionals regarding the utilization of digital teleconsultation for premature infants. Methods: This qualitative inquiry employed a conventional content analysis approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ۳۰ nurses and ۲۵ physicians, selected via purposive sampling. Participants were recruited from three neonatal intensive care units affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, between October ۲۰۲۲ and February ۲۰۲۳. All participants possessed a minimum of two years' experience delivering virtual consultation services for premature infants through a national web-based social media platform. The interviews aimed to elicit their insights into teleconsultation practices. Data collection spanned five months, with analysis guided by the Granheim and Lundman method to identify core themes until data saturation was achieved. Results: The study's findings delineated two primary dimensions: the advantages and inherent challenges associated with remote care. While both nursing and medical practitioners largely concurred on the utility of digital health interventions, their perspectives diverged concerning infant safety protocols and the level of parental comprehension regarding remote monitoring guidelines. Conclusion: This investigation highlighted critical considerations such as patient safety and the digital literacy of caregivers in the context of remote follow-up. It advocates for the strategic integration of digital health solutions as a complement to established in-person care. The insights gleaned offer valuable guidance for policymakers in optimizing post-discharge support for premature infants, underscoring the necessity for further research into long-term outcomes and adherence to digital care protocols.
