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

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis presents a comprehensive exploration of the impact of telehealth on chronic disease management in older adults through a systematic literature review. The aging population is experiencing an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, posing significant challenges to healthcare systems globally. Telehealth, which encompasses the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has emerged as a promising solution to improve access to care and enhance disease management for older adults. This study aims to critically evaluate existing literature on the effectiveness of telehealth interventions in managing chronic diseases in older adults, identify key trends, challenges, and gaps in the current research landscape, and provide recommendations for future research and practice. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, highlighting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, and structure of the thesis. The definitions of key terms related to telehealth, chronic disease management, and older adults are also elucidated to provide a clear understanding of the research context. Chapter Two presents a detailed literature review comprising ten key themes related to telehealth interventions for chronic disease management in older adults. The review synthesizes current evidence on the effectiveness of telehealth technologies, patient outcomes, healthcare provider perspectives, barriers to implementation, and best practices in telehealth interventions for older adults with chronic conditions. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in conducting the systematic literature review. This chapter describes the search strategy, inclusion and exclusion criteria, data extraction process, quality assessment methods, and data synthesis techniques utilized to analyze and synthesize the selected studies. Chapter Four offers a comprehensive discussion of the findings derived from the systematic literature review. The chapter examines the key themes identified in the literature, discusses the implications of the findings for clinical practice and policy, and identifies areas for further research to advance the field of telehealth in chronic disease management for older adults. Chapter Five presents the conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, implications, and recommendations for future research and practice. The study concludes by emphasizing the potential of telehealth to transform chronic disease management in older adults, improve patient outcomes, and enhance healthcare delivery in the context of an aging population. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on telehealth interventions for chronic disease management in older adults. By synthesizing existing literature, identifying gaps in research, and offering insights for future directions, this study aims to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers on the effective implementation of telehealth technologies to support the health and well-being of older adults with chronic conditions.