Aim: To explore expectations and experiences of nurses and physicians with remote care monitoring for breast cancer patients within the Norwegian specialist health service.
Design: Qualitative exploratory study.
Methods: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine nurses and physicians before and after the implementation of remote patient monitoring. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: Three key themes were developed: (1) 'Navigating patient empowerment: Reassurance, misinterpretation and guidance in remote patient monitoring communication'; (2) 'Digital care impacts the workflow: Efficiency gains and hidden burdens'; and (3) 'Clinical judgement in a digital context: Balancing standardisation and clinical discretion'.
Conclusion: While remote patient monitoring increased flexibility and targeted follow-up, it also reshaped roles and workloads and introduced new interpretive demands that often lack formal delegation, highlighting the need for clearer task allocation and organisational support.
Implications for the profession: Remote patient monitoring expands nurses' roles in symptom assessment and digital follow-up. As such, clear role boundaries and support for clinical judgement are essential for its successful implementation.
Impact: The results are relevant for management in healthcare services, nurses and other healthcare professionals implementing remote patient monitoring.
Reporting method: The study followed CORQ guidelines.
Patient or public contribution: Four user representatives with lived experience of breast cancer contributed to the design of the study and gave input regarding the interview guide.
Keywords: breast cancer; clinical workflow; digital care; healthcare professionals; nursing; remote patient monitoring.
© 2026 The Author(s). Journal of Clinical Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.