She occasionally notices mistakes in prescriptions, she says, and can double check with patients' doctors.

In any case where treatment involves risks, Liu says, she will go beyond the patient and talk to family members, and disclaimers are signed before nursing is provided.

"With all these careful preparations and communications, I have had no emergencies."

The prime consideration of those who avail themselves of home visiting services is convenience, Ding says.

Guan Fengwen, 40, who lives in Beijing, recently decided to try an online nursing service and was put in touch with Liu. Guan needed stitches removed after she underwent plastic surgery.

"Some of my friends were using this service so I wanted to try it," Guan says.

"I can understand the concerns of those who have not used it, but I wanted to decide for myself whether it was good for me."

Guan says she was satisfied with the job Liu did and decided to call on her services again.