Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Telehealth has emerged as a promising solution to enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in chronic disease management for older adults. This systematic review aims to explore the impact of telehealth interventions on the management of chronic diseases in older adult populations. The study focuses on synthesizing existing literature to provide insights into the effectiveness, challenges, and opportunities associated with telehealth interventions in this context. The first section of the systematic review provides an overview of the background and rationale for the study. It highlights the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases among older adults and the growing interest in telehealth as a means to improve access to care and health outcomes in this population. The problem statement identifies the gaps in current knowledge and the need for a comprehensive review of telehealth interventions targeting chronic disease management in older adults. The objectives of the study are to systematically review and analyze the existing literature on telehealth interventions in chronic disease management for older adults, evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions, identify common challenges and limitations, and explore the implications for future research and practice. The scope of the study includes a wide range of chronic conditions prevalent in older adult populations, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and chronic respiratory diseases. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers about the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing telehealth interventions for chronic disease management in older adults. By synthesizing the available evidence, this systematic review aims to contribute to the development of best practices and guidelines for the effective use of telehealth in this population. The structure of the thesis includes a detailed outline of the chapters, starting with an introduction that provides context and justification for the study, followed by a literature review that examines existing research on telehealth interventions in chronic disease management for older adults. The methodology section outlines the systematic approach used to select and analyze relevant studies, while the discussion of findings critically evaluates the outcomes and implications of the reviewed literature. The conclusion summarizes the key findings, implications, and recommendations for future research and practice. Overall, this systematic review seeks to advance our understanding of the impact of telehealth on chronic disease management in older adults and provide valuable insights for improving healthcare delivery and outcomes in this vulnerable population. The findings of this study have the potential to guide the development and implementation of telehealth interventions that are tailored to the unique needs and challenges of older adults with chronic diseases.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "The Impact of Telehealth on Chronic Disease Management in Older Adults: A Systematic Review" aims to investigate the effects of telehealth interventions on managing chronic diseases in older adult populations. Telehealth, which involves the remote delivery of healthcare services using technology, has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential to improve access to care and health outcomes, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions. This systematic review will examine existing literature on telehealth interventions specifically targeted towards older adults with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and chronic respiratory conditions. By synthesizing and analyzing a range of studies, the research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of telehealth on disease management outcomes, including but not limited to patient adherence to treatment plans, disease progression, quality of life, and healthcare utilization. Key aspects of the research will include an exploration of different telehealth modalities used in chronic disease management, such as remote monitoring, video consultations, mobile health applications, and telephonic interventions. The review will also assess the effectiveness of telehealth interventions in improving disease self-management skills, enhancing patient education, promoting lifestyle modifications, and facilitating communication between patients and healthcare providers. Furthermore, the project will critically evaluate the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of telehealth programs for older adults with chronic diseases, considering factors such as technology literacy, access to resources, patient preferences, and healthcare provider attitudes. By identifying the challenges and opportunities associated with telehealth adoption in this population, the research aims to inform future healthcare policies and practices aimed at optimizing chronic disease management strategies for older adults. Overall, this research overview underscores the importance of understanding the impact of telehealth on chronic disease management in older adults and highlights the need for evidence-based insights to guide the integration of telehealth technologies into routine care delivery for this vulnerable population. Through a systematic review approach, this project seeks to contribute valuable knowledge to the field of geriatric healthcare and telemedicine, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of care and health outcomes for older adults living with chronic conditions.