Comparing the effectiveness of Telehealth and in-person care during COVID-19 crises: A systematic literature review
Savi, Victor; Mulu, Amos (2023)
2023
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023081824820
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023081824820
Tiivistelmä
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on global healthcare delivery, leading to the need for alternative means of providing care while reducing the risk of infection. This systematic literature analysis focused on examining the effectiveness of Telehealth and in-person care during the COVID-19 crisis, specifically in terms of clinical outcomes, care quality, access to care, costs, chronic diseases, patient and healthcare provider satisfaction, utilization, and barriers.
The study aims to answer two research questions: 1) What is the overall effectiveness of Telehealth compared to in-person care during the COVID-19 crisis regarding health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and healthcare provider satisfaction? 2) How does patient and healthcare provider satisfaction with Telehealth compare to in-person care during the COVID-19 crisis regarding convenience, communication, trust, and perceived effectiveness?
The study utilized a systematic literature review methodology, searching databases such as MEDLINE, Science Direct PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL for relevant studies published between 2019 and 2023. Quality appraisal was performed using various tools, including the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Review, CASP SCALE, PRISMA-ScR, MMAT, and NOS. Data collected from the studies was analysed, categorized into themes, and examined for key findings.
Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis, leading to the identification of themes such as the convenience of Telehealth compared to in-person care, patient and healthcare provider satisfaction with both forms of care, and the utilization of Telehealth and in-person care during the COVID-19 crisis.
Findings suggest that Telehealth has proven to be a convenient and effective strategy for providing healthcare, with positive outcomes and cost-effectiveness. However, there are limitations, such as technical difficulties and lack of physical examination. The pandemic has affected in-person care due to increased infection risks and resource limitations. It is essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of both Telehealth and in-person care. More research is needed to determine the long-term effects of these modalities, which can better inform policymakers and healthcare administrators on how to deploy them.
The study aims to answer two research questions: 1) What is the overall effectiveness of Telehealth compared to in-person care during the COVID-19 crisis regarding health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and healthcare provider satisfaction? 2) How does patient and healthcare provider satisfaction with Telehealth compare to in-person care during the COVID-19 crisis regarding convenience, communication, trust, and perceived effectiveness?
The study utilized a systematic literature review methodology, searching databases such as MEDLINE, Science Direct PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL for relevant studies published between 2019 and 2023. Quality appraisal was performed using various tools, including the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Review, CASP SCALE, PRISMA-ScR, MMAT, and NOS. Data collected from the studies was analysed, categorized into themes, and examined for key findings.
Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis, leading to the identification of themes such as the convenience of Telehealth compared to in-person care, patient and healthcare provider satisfaction with both forms of care, and the utilization of Telehealth and in-person care during the COVID-19 crisis.
Findings suggest that Telehealth has proven to be a convenient and effective strategy for providing healthcare, with positive outcomes and cost-effectiveness. However, there are limitations, such as technical difficulties and lack of physical examination. The pandemic has affected in-person care due to increased infection risks and resource limitations. It is essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of both Telehealth and in-person care. More research is needed to determine the long-term effects of these modalities, which can better inform policymakers and healthcare administrators on how to deploy them.