Clinical nurses’ experiences of providing ‘Internet+Nursing Services’ in public hospitals: a qualitative study in Western China

Background The "Internet + Nursing Service" (INS) is an innovative model developed in China to extend professional nursing care to home settings, particularly for elderly and chronically ill patients. Despite its potential to enhance healthcare accessibility, little is known about the experiences of clinical nurses who deliver these services, especially in Western China. Objective This study aimed to explore the experiences of clinical nurses participating in INS in a public tertiary hospital in Western China. Methods A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 12 clinical nurses who had completed at least five INS assignments. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Four main themes emerged: (1) Service value (professional growth, patient convenience, hospital reputation); (2) Practical barriers (logistical support, safety risks, procedural limitations); (3) Support needs (team collaboration, policy support); (4) Directions for improvement (process optimization, safety assurance, publicity expansion). Conclusion INS plays a critical role in enhancing continuity of care, but its sustainability requires systematic improvements in safety mechanisms, reimbursement policies, and publicity strategies. Support from hospitals, policymakers, and society is essential to optimize this service model.Clinical trial registration Not applicable.