Telemedicine Interventions for Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare
Şahin, E., Yavuz Veizi, B. G., et al. (2024).
Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 30(2), 305-319.
This systematic review explores the clinical effectiveness of telemedicine for older adults. Of note, this review reports outcomes of non-speech therapy services for individuals with and without cognitive disorders (e.g., dementia, mild cognitive-impairment, or unspecified cognitive impairment). However, the findings of this review can be utilized to inform SLP practice regarding telehealth provision.
No funding received
January 2015 to September 2021
Randomized controlled trials and clinical trials
22
<div>Findings demonstrated that there was no significant difference in total health care costs for older adults receiving telemedicine services versus those receiving usual care. However, telemedicine was associated with a reduced number of emergency department visits in one study. Overall, telemedicine was found to be a feasible alternative to usual care for assessment and treatment. Limitations to this review included heterogeneity in population and study design, potential risk of bias, and variable methodological rigor of included studies. Further research is warranted.</div>
<div>Findings demonstrated no significant difference in older adults' cognitive screening and/or assessment scores for telepractice versus in-person delivery. However, this finding was based on a limited number (n=3) of studies with predominately low sample sizes.</div>
<div>Findings demonstrated that telepractice treatment was associated with greater duration of patient engagement in services for adults with dementia, and that no significant difference in patient outcomes were noted for telepractice versus in-person delivery for patients with dementia. These results should be interpreted with caution due to an overall paucity of evidence. Further research is needed.</div>
<div>No significant difference in patient outcomes was noted for telepractice versus in-person delivery for patients with Parkinson's disease. However, this finding is based upon a singular study with a sample size of 188 individuals. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of telepractice treatment in this population.</div>
<div>Findings demonstrated that older patients and their families generally reported preferences for telepractice services versus in-person service delivery, with benefits of ease of access and reduced travel distance and time noted. Limitations to this finding were significant heterogeneity in population in study design, potential risk of bias, and an overall paucity of evidence.</div>
