The Impact of Telehealth Interventions on Chronic Disease Management in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases among older adults poses significant challenges for healthcare systems worldwide. Telehealth interventions have emerged as a promising approach to improve chronic disease management in this population. This systematic review aimed to explore the impact of telehealth interventions on chronic disease management in older adults. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2021. The inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews focusing on telehealth interventions targeting chronic diseases in older adults aged 65 and above. A total of 30 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. The findings of this systematic review revealed that telehealth interventions have a positive impact on chronic disease management in older adults across various conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The use of telehealth technologies, such as remote monitoring devices, mobile health applications, and teleconsultations, facilitated better disease monitoring, medication adherence, self-management skills, and patient-provider communication. Moreover, telehealth interventions were associated with improved clinical outcomes, reduced hospital admissions, and enhanced quality of life among older adults with chronic diseases. However, several challenges and limitations were identified in the implementation of telehealth interventions for chronic disease management in older adults. These include technological barriers, lack of digital literacy among older adults, privacy and security concerns, and disparities in access to telehealth services. Furthermore, the scope of telehealth interventions varied among the included studies, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions on the most effective interventions for specific chronic conditions. This systematic review underscores the significance of integrating telehealth interventions into routine care for older adults with chronic diseases. Future research should focus on addressing the identified barriers and optimizing telehealth interventions to meet the unique needs of older adult populations. By leveraging the potential of telehealth technologies, healthcare providers can enhance the quality of care, promote self-management, and improve health outcomes for older adults with chronic diseases. Keywords Telehealth interventions, chronic disease management, older adults, systematic review, telemedicine, remote monitoring, healthcare technology.