07/05/2024 | Victor C. Ezeamii, Okeleu E. Okobi, Hassana Wambai-Sani, Gamadediyanage S. Perera, Shakhnoza Zaynieva, Chinwe C. Okonkwo, Mohamed M. Ohaiba, Pamela C. William-Enemali, Okiemute R. Obodo, Ngzoka G. Obiefuna
Telemedicine, the use of digital technologies to deliver healthcare remotely, has significantly improved patient outcomes and expanded access to care, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review analyzed the impact of telemedicine on patient outcomes, access to care, and its role in the evolving healthcare landscape. Studies were identified using MeSH terms and keywords across electronic databases and manual reference screenings. The review categorized findings into themes related to patient outcomes and access to care.
Telemedicine has proven effective in managing chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, by improving patient engagement and clinical metrics such as HbA1c levels. It also enhances access to specialized care for patients with diabetes-related foot disease, overcoming geographical barriers. The review found that telemedicine improves patient outcomes, access, and satisfaction in chronic disease management, especially diabetes care. It also reduces healthcare costs and enhances patient engagement through flexible scheduling and continuous monitoring.
However, the impact of telemedicine varies across demographics and conditions, influenced by factors such as digital literacy, access to technology, and socioeconomic status. Challenges include data security, patient privacy, and regulatory compliance. Despite these challenges, telemedicine has shown promise in various fields, including cardiology, dermatology, mental health, and primary care. It has also been effective in emergency care, reducing hospital admissions and improving triage efficiency.
The review highlights the importance of standardizing telemedicine practices and guidelines to ensure high-quality care. It also emphasizes the need for inclusive and flexible telemedicine models that accommodate diverse patient needs. Telemedicine has the potential to transform global healthcare delivery by improving accessibility and effectiveness, particularly in underserved populations. The findings support the integration of telemedicine into routine clinical practice to enhance patient care and health equity.Telemedicine, the use of digital technologies to deliver healthcare remotely, has significantly improved patient outcomes and expanded access to care, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review analyzed the impact of telemedicine on patient outcomes, access to care, and its role in the evolving healthcare landscape. Studies were identified using MeSH terms and keywords across electronic databases and manual reference screenings. The review categorized findings into themes related to patient outcomes and access to care.
Telemedicine has proven effective in managing chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, by improving patient engagement and clinical metrics such as HbA1c levels. It also enhances access to specialized care for patients with diabetes-related foot disease, overcoming geographical barriers. The review found that telemedicine improves patient outcomes, access, and satisfaction in chronic disease management, especially diabetes care. It also reduces healthcare costs and enhances patient engagement through flexible scheduling and continuous monitoring.
However, the impact of telemedicine varies across demographics and conditions, influenced by factors such as digital literacy, access to technology, and socioeconomic status. Challenges include data security, patient privacy, and regulatory compliance. Despite these challenges, telemedicine has shown promise in various fields, including cardiology, dermatology, mental health, and primary care. It has also been effective in emergency care, reducing hospital admissions and improving triage efficiency.
The review highlights the importance of standardizing telemedicine practices and guidelines to ensure high-quality care. It also emphasizes the need for inclusive and flexible telemedicine models that accommodate diverse patient needs. Telemedicine has the potential to transform global healthcare delivery by improving accessibility and effectiveness, particularly in underserved populations. The findings support the integration of telemedicine into routine clinical practice to enhance patient care and health equity.