Abstract

Introduction: Disasters of any kind can affect public health severely. A shortage of health care specialists, such as physicians and nurses, during a disaster is a challenge for health care systems. The use of technology is 1 emerging strategy for addressing the continually increasing demand for care. Moreover, nurses may use technology in their roles. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the application of telehealth, and more specifically telenursing care, in incidents and disasters. Methods: This systematic review study was conducted on the basis of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. English language international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were searched through November 2018. The quality of the studies was assessed using the International Narrative Systematic Assessment tool. Results: Of the 5,759 titles identified in this search, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. The important findings of this study were grouped into 3 main categories: clinical teams, disaster and communication types, and key outcomes of the telehealth programs used in disasters and incidents. We did not find any articles in the field of telenursing care during incidents. Discussion: Providing health care during a disaster is essential, and technology is of vital importance for such care. Because of the shortage of specialized nurses in disaster areas, the presence of such a group in the telehealth program will provide a new window for care. Thus, telenursing offers a means of improving health care response.