Exploring the Impact of Telehealth on Chronic Disease Management in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis aims to investigate the impact of telehealth on chronic disease management in older adults through a systematic review of existing literature. Chronic diseases pose a significant burden on the aging population, leading to increased healthcare costs and reduced quality of life. Telehealth, defined as the remote delivery of healthcare services using technology, has emerged as a promising solution to improve access to care and enhance disease management for older adults. The first chapter of the thesis provides an introduction to the research topic, outlining the background, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance of the study, and the structure of the thesis. The second chapter presents a comprehensive literature review that examines ten key studies on telehealth interventions for chronic disease management in older adults. The review explores the effectiveness of telehealth in improving health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and healthcare access for this population. Chapter three outlines the research methodology employed in this systematic review, including the search strategy, selection criteria, data extraction process, and quality assessment of the included studies. The chapter also discusses the challenges and considerations in conducting a systematic review in the field of telehealth and chronic disease management. In chapter four, the findings of the systematic review are analyzed and discussed in detail. The results highlight the diverse approaches to telehealth interventions, the outcomes achieved, and the factors influencing the effectiveness of these interventions in managing chronic diseases among older adults. The chapter also identifies gaps in the existing literature and suggests areas for future research. Finally, chapter five provides a conclusion and summary of the thesis, drawing key insights from the systematic review and discussing the implications for practice, policy, and research. The thesis concludes with recommendations for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers to optimize the use of telehealth in chronic disease management for older adults. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on telehealth and chronic disease management in older adults and underscores the potential of telehealth interventions to improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of care for this vulnerable population.