Systematic Review of Telehospice Telemedicine and e-Health

• Published in: Telemedicine journal and e-health Vol. 27; no. 11; p. 1203
• Main Authors: Cameron, Patricia, Munyan, Kristen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.11.2021
• Subjects: Humans; Telemedicine; e-health; telenursing; telemedicine; telehealth; telehospice
• ISSN: 1556-3669
• DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2020.0451

A 2012 systematic review by Oliver et al. of evidence-based research on telehospice included 26 research articles published between 2000 and 2010 on the use of telehospice connecting hospice professionals with caregivers and their care recipients. The present study replicated research by Oliver et al., extending the time frame from 2010 through 2020. The aim of this study was to answer the question-what is the current state of the evidence related to telehospice services? A systematic review was conducted for the time period 2010 to 2020 of the existing literature researching the topic of telehospice. Thirteen articles (five quantitative, six qualitative, and two mixed methods) were found that meet the inclusion criteria of the study. The Methodological Rigor Scoring Instrument was used to code the qualitative and quantitative articles separately to address methodological differences. The most common findings were related to technology adaptation readiness for staff and caregivers. Studies assessed the use of telehospice that included incorporated technology, such as an electronic tablet, to provide synchronous communication between the provider and the patient/caregiver. Provider and caregiver attitudes regarding telehospice care were largely positive with studies reporting acceptance of telehospice as generally high. The past 10 years have yielded a small but significant body of research on telehospice. Published research on the topic reports a generally high level of patient and caregiver satisfaction about the experience, but limited findings have been published relating to patient outcomes. As adaptation of telehospice and technology has surged in the past year, it is expected that additional research on the impact of technology on clinical outcomes will emerge in the future.