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

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Telehealth has emerged as a promising tool in healthcare, offering innovative solutions to improve chronic disease management, particularly in older adult populations. This systematic review explores the impact of telehealth interventions on chronic disease management in older adults, aiming to provide a comprehensive analysis of existing literature in this field. The introduction section sets the stage by highlighting the growing prevalence of chronic diseases among older adults and the increasing need for effective management strategies. The background of the study delves into the evolution of telehealth and its potential benefits in addressing the challenges of chronic disease management in this vulnerable population. The problem statement identifies the gaps in current literature regarding the specific impact of telehealth interventions on chronic disease management in older adults. The objectives of the study aim to systematically review and analyze the existing evidence to determine the effectiveness of telehealth in improving health outcomes and quality of life for older adults with chronic conditions. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, including potential biases in the selected studies, variations in telehealth interventions, and the methodological quality of the included literature. The scope of the study outlines the specific chronic diseases and telehealth interventions that will be included in the review. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers about the effectiveness of telehealth in managing chronic diseases in older adults. The structure of the thesis provides a roadmap for the reader, outlining the chapters and sub-sections that will be covered in the review. The literature review chapter presents a comprehensive analysis of existing studies on telehealth interventions for chronic disease management in older adults. Ten key themes are identified, including the impact on health outcomes, patient satisfaction, cost-effectiveness, and barriers to implementation. The research methodology chapter outlines the systematic approach used to search for, select, and analyze the relevant literature. Eight key components are detailed, including search strategies, inclusion criteria, data extraction methods, and quality assessment tools. The discussion of findings chapter critically evaluates the results of the systematic review, highlighting the strengths and limitations of the included studies and synthesizing the key findings to draw overarching conclusions about the impact of telehealth on chronic disease management in older adults. Finally, the conclusion and summary chapter provide a concise overview of the key findings, implications for practice and policy, and recommendations for future research in this area. The abstract concludes by emphasizing the importance of telehealth as a promising tool in improving chronic disease management for older adults and the need for further investigation to optimize its use in clinical practice.