Abstract
As the global healthcare landscape grapples with aging populations and the growing burden of chronic diseases, digital innovations like the Virtual Nurse (VN)—AI-powered embodied conversational agents—are gaining recognition for their potential to support patient self-management and improve care delivery. This study applies Walker and Avant's 8-step concept analysis to clarify the definition, boundaries, and essential characteristics of the Virtual Nurse. Thirteen peer-reviewed articles published from 2010 to 2021 were reviewed, focusing on their applicability to older adults and chronic disease management. Four defining attributes emerged: (1) clinical interactivity, (2) human-like empathy, (3) accessibility and understandability, and (4) scalability with feedback adaptability. Antecedents include technological readiness, user digital literacy, and systemic healthcare needs. Consequences encompass enhanced patient engagement, improved self-management, and continuity of care, particularly among marginalized populations. This analysis contributes to establishing a theoretical foundation for integrating AI-driven virtual nurses in geriatric and chronic care settings, guiding future research, intervention design, and policy alignment.
Notes
Reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Virtual Learning, Academic-Clinical Partnership, Interprofessional Initiatives, Embodied Conversational Agents, Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Online Information Services, Geriatric Nursing, Older People, Aged, Elder Care, Nursing Supply & Demand
Recommended Citation
Chou, Chia-Hui and Tung, Heng-Hsin, "Clarifying the Concept of Virtual Nurse: A Concept Analysis for Aging and Chronic Care" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 136.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/136
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-08-06
Clarifying the Concept of Virtual Nurse: A Concept Analysis for Aging and Chronic Care
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
As the global healthcare landscape grapples with aging populations and the growing burden of chronic diseases, digital innovations like the Virtual Nurse (VN)—AI-powered embodied conversational agents—are gaining recognition for their potential to support patient self-management and improve care delivery. This study applies Walker and Avant's 8-step concept analysis to clarify the definition, boundaries, and essential characteristics of the Virtual Nurse. Thirteen peer-reviewed articles published from 2010 to 2021 were reviewed, focusing on their applicability to older adults and chronic disease management. Four defining attributes emerged: (1) clinical interactivity, (2) human-like empathy, (3) accessibility and understandability, and (4) scalability with feedback adaptability. Antecedents include technological readiness, user digital literacy, and systemic healthcare needs. Consequences encompass enhanced patient engagement, improved self-management, and continuity of care, particularly among marginalized populations. This analysis contributes to establishing a theoretical foundation for integrating AI-driven virtual nurses in geriatric and chronic care settings, guiding future research, intervention design, and policy alignment.
Description
This concept analysis defines key attributes of Virtual Nurse in older adult and chronic disease care. Findings support their integration into digital health strategies for improving patient self-management, education, and equitable care delivery.