Abstract
1 min read<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Telemedicine is an expanding and feasible approach to improve medical care for patients with long-term conditions. However, there is a poor understanding of patients’ acceptability of this intervention and their rate of uptake. </sec> <sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> To systematically review the current evidence on telehealth in the management of patients with long-term conditions, and to evaluate the patients’ uptake and acceptability of this technology. </sec> <sec> <title>METHODS</title> MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and CENTRAL were searched from date of inception to 5 February 2021, with no language restrictions. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported any of the following outcomes: (i) intervention uptake and adherence; (ii) study retention; (iii) patient acceptability, satisfaction and experience using intervention: (iv) changes in physiological values; (v) all-cause and cardiovascular related hospitalization; (vi) all-cause and disease specific mortality; (vii) patient-reported outcome measures; (viii) quality of life. Two reviewers independently assessed articles for eligibility. This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021236291). </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> Ninety-six studies were included and fifty-eight were pooled for meta-analyses. Meta-analyses showed reduction in mortality (RR= 0.71, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.89, P=0.003, I2=0%); and improvements in BP (MD -3.85 mmHg, 95% CI -7.03 to -0.68, P<.02, I2= 100%) and HbA1c (MD -0.33, 95% CI -0.57 to -0.09, P=.008, I2= 99%); but no significant improvements in quality of life (MD 1.45, 95% CI -0.10 to 3, P=.07, I2=80%); and increased risk of hospitalization (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.23, P=.81, I2=79%) with telehealth compared to usual care. </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> Telehealth is a valid alternative to usual care, reducing mortality and improving self-management of the disease, with patients reporting good satisfaction and adherence. Further studies are required to address some potential concerns regarding higher hospitalisation rates and a lack of a positive impact on patients’ quality of life. </sec>
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