The Role of Tele-Health Approaches in Home Nutrition Support

Abstract

The integration of digital technologies into healthcare has transformed home- based nutrition support. Tele- health, especially tele- nutrition, has become essential for delivering personalised dietary counselling and monitoring by overcoming geographical and logistical barriers. This chapter examines the development and implementation of tele- nutrition, particularly in home enteral nutrition (HEN) and chronic disease contexts. Drawing on current evidence, it discusses how mobile applications, wearable technologies, AI- based systems, and hybrid care models improve clinical outcomes, patient engagement, and continuity of care. The chapter also addresses barriers such as limited digital literacy, regulatory inconsistencies, and social inequalities, alongside ethical concerns like informed consent and algorithmic transparency. Policy implications are analysed in relation to reimbursement systems, licensure frameworks, and the legal responsibilities of clinicians. The chapter concludes with strategic recommendations for integrating tele- nutrition into public health infrastructures and outlines research priorities focused on long- term effectiveness, patient- reported outcomes, and inclusive design. By synthesizing multidisciplinary evidence, this chapter provides a comprehensive roadmap for the sustainable integration of tele- health in home- based nutrition support, reinforcing its relevance in achieving equitable, person- centred, and technology- enabled dietary care. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.