Telemedicine reports最新文献

{"title":"A Unified Framework for Telehealth Encounters: Literature Review and Taxonomy Development.","authors":"Kovida S Yalamanchi, Elizabeth Moreton, Suguna Kotte, Zhaoqiang Zhou, John Chuo, David McSwain, Saif Khairat","doi":"10.1177/26924366261447908","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26924366261447908","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The rapid expansion of telehealth, which was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has outpaced standardized approaches to data capture, resulting in fragmented documentation and limited research infrastructure. A centralized telehealth taxonomy would be useful for improving documentation, evaluating utilization, and informing decision-making. However, no comprehensive telehealth taxonomy has been developed to date.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping literature review was conducted to identify the characteristics needed to build a comprehensive telehealth taxonomy that informs a data repository. Then, a hybrid hierarchical mind map taxonomy was built using the frameworks and concepts from the reviewed articles, along with insight and feedback from eight telehealth domain experts. The taxonomy was revised using an iterative process, and the final version was approved by the domain experts.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ten articles were ultimately included in this scoping review. Based on the findings of those articles, the final taxonomy includes 14 core variables that span the full telehealth appointment, including previsit preparation, during-visit interactions, and postvisit follow-up. The variables are arranged across both patient and provider perspectives. The taxonomy includes four dimensions: synchronous and asynchronous modalities, user perspectives, functionality, and payment considerations. Furthermore, the taxonomy aligns with electronic health record data fields, thus promoting interoperability and structured data capture.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The unified framework developed herein aims to bridge gaps in telehealth research by providing a scalable, interoperable foundation for data repositories. Ultimately, this taxonomy lays the groundwork for improved telehealth data infrastructure and can enhance research, clinical care, and data-informed policy development.</p>","PeriodicalId":94218,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine reports","volume":"7 ","pages":"26924366261447908"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13422713/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148655495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Individuals' Perceptions of the Efficacy, Quality, and Safety of Weight Loss Treatment Accessed via a National Telehealth Platform: Retrospective Analysis of Survey Data.","authors":"Jessica S Yu, Lauren Governale, Sachie Mochida, Craig Primack, Knox Beasley, Patrick Carroll","doi":"10.1177/26924366261456136","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26924366261456136","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>There is consensus that telehealth may be an effective and scalable solution to the nation's ongoing obesity crisis. However, there are concerns about the quality and safety of obesity care accessed via telehealth and particularly direct-to-consumer (DTC) telehealth. The current study sought to understand the perceptions of the efficacy, quality, and safety of care accessed via telehealth among individuals who accessed weight loss treatment via a national DTC telehealth platform.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An online survey, originally intended for the purposes of quality improvement, was sent to individuals who had accessed weight loss treatment via a national telehealth platform. The survey, made available between June 30, 2025, and July 3, 2025, consisted of 22 questions that queried individuals about various aspects of their experience with the platform. Data were de-identified and retrospectively analyzed, with descriptive statistics used to report on the number and percentage of participants who indicated agreement with survey items.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>1381 participants who accessed weight loss treatment via the platform completed the survey. Overall, participants (>70%) reported a positive experience pertaining to the quality and safety of care accessed via the platform. The majority (>80%) of participants reported a positive experience with the online clinical intake and with providers on the platform. Participants consistently (>90%) rated their overall experience with the platform as equal to or better than prior in-person health care experiences. There was variability with regard to participants' awareness of specific safety practices implemented by the platform.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Our findings indicate that factors such as structured intake processes, ongoing communication with providers, and accessible educational resources may play important roles in fostering individuals' confidence and trust in telehealth-delivered obesity care.</p>","PeriodicalId":94218,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine reports","volume":"7 ","pages":"26924366261456136"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13422716/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148655472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bridging the Telehealth Divide-The Systemic and Experiential Factors Shaping Telehealth and Digital Health Equity: A Qualitative Analysis.","authors":"Denise White-Perkins, Alexandra Hunter, Thor Person, Kayleigh Reimueller, Frankee Thomas","doi":"10.1177/26924366261449511","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26924366261449511","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The world continues to expand our digital reliance. Populations are being left behind lacking the necessary knowledge or tools for succeeding in a technologically advanced space. This issue is apparent within both the digital health and telehealth space and has left health professionals wondering what can be done to bridge this gap.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>In late October 2024, Henry Ford Health (HFH), a health system located in Detroit, Michigan, held a summit titled \"Advancing Health Equity-Bridging the Telehealth Divide\" to attempt to find solutions for the problems facing patients in accessing their health care digitally. Community engagement sessions were held on the second day of the summit and involved discussions focused on three different age groups among six groups: three groups-older adults (age 55 and older); one group-general adults (ages 18-54); and two groups-children and family (ages 0-17).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Initial open coding captured participant language and recurring concerns, while focused coding consolidated these into broader conceptual categories. This process was followed by affinity mapping to cluster-related codes into themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The resulting synthesis revealed seven thematic domains that reflect systemic and experiential factors shaping telehealth and digital health equity. The domains are as follows: Access and Infrastructure; Digital Literacy, Safety, and Confidence; Tech Support Quality and Delivery; Community Anchoring and Trusted Networks; Communication, Advocacy, and Educational Tools; System Design, Ease of Use, and Human-Centered Technology; and Equity, Inclusion, and Systemic Barriers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patients and community members desire and need strong telehealth services that support the notion that health systems have opportunities and responsibilities to address these shortcomings by working with community members.</p>","PeriodicalId":94218,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine reports","volume":"7 ","pages":"26924366261449511"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13422714/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148655504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adapting a Poststroke Sedentary Behavior Intervention for Remote Delivery: Lessons from a Formative Descriptive Case Series.","authors":"Emily Kringle, Karli Jahnke, Amos Badu, Jessica Walsh, Elizabeth R Skidmore, Kamakshi Lakshminarayan, Bethany Barone Gibbs, Beth Lewis","doi":"10.1177/26924366261447903","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26924366261447903","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Activating Behavior for Lasting Engagement (ABLE) is a conversation-based intervention designed to reduce poststroke sedentary time. Remote delivery may overcome access barriers but requires adaptations to promote participant engagement and safety. We explored the feasibility of delivering ABLE remotely (teleABLE) using synchronous videoconferencing.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Community-dwelling ambulatory stroke survivors (<i>N</i> = 11) were enrolled in this descriptive case series. Pre- and post-test measures of sedentary time (accelerometry), activity engagement (Activity Card Sort 3), and health-related quality of life (EuroQOL-5D-5L) were completed at weeks 0 and 8. Participants completed 12 sessions teleABLE sessions and two semi-structured interviews (mid- and postintervention). Feasibility metrics were documented and assessed against <i>a priori</i> benchmarks. Changes in clinical outcomes were reported descriptively. Framework analysis was applied to interview data to contextualize quantitative findings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most stroke survivors (median age = 56.5 years, median chronicity = 6.2 months poststroke) were retained through postintervention (90.9%). Feasibility benchmarks for safety (0 severe adverse events), participant satisfaction (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 score = 3.7 vs. 3.0), and session frequency (1.7 sessions per week vs. 1.5) were met. Some participants experienced within-person change in sedentary time, activity engagement, and health-related quality of life. Participants characterized teleABLE as a useful planning process that contributed to re-engagement in activities and improved mental health.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Intervention adaptations focused on structures to support participant engagement and safety during remotely delivered intervention. Clinical outcomes and qualitative data suggest that teleABLE may contribute to psychosocial outcomes such as disability adjustment and mental well-being. Future research is required to determine the efficacy of teleABLE.</p>","PeriodicalId":94218,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine reports","volume":"7 ","pages":"26924366261447903"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13422718/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148655425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Delphi Consensus Study on Technical Skills for Doctor-to-Doctor Telemedicine Conferences and Consultations in Asia.","authors":"Kuriko Kudo, Shintaro Ueda, Yukiko Hisada, Sisira Edirippulige, Aria Kekalih, Tomohiko Moriyama","doi":"10.1177/26924366261447905","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26924366261447905","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Health care disparities are severe across Asia. To bridge gaps in professional knowledge and skills, Doctor-to-Doctor (DtoD) telemedicine shows promise. However, the specific technical skills required for effective DtoD conferences and consultations, particularly those involving advanced technologies, remain undefined. This study aimed to establish a consensus on these essential skills.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used the Delphi method, engaging 30 participants from Asia-Pacific Advanced Network Medical Working Group DtoD training programs. Investigators and an expert panel developed an initial list of technical skills for both synchronous and asynchronous DtoD teleconferences and consultations, which participants evaluated in Round 1. Following an in-depth workshop, a revised questionnaire incorporating new skills and feedback was assessed in Round 2, yielding the final list.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 30 hospital IT staff, doctors, and nurses from 11 Asian countries, 57% of whom were affiliated with university hospitals. All participants completed both rounds. After integrating 46 written comments, 10 new skills were added, resulting in a final list of 43 technical skills. These encompassed conceptual understanding, technical execution, coordination, and security policy. Notably, \"Extracting images from medical devices\" and \"Maintaining audio quality\" were identified as key skills.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study is the first to delineate the technical skills necessary for DtoD telemedicine conferences and consultations in Asia. The identified skills can guide future training, assessment, and development initiatives to strengthen the telemedicine workforce across the region.</p>","PeriodicalId":94218,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine reports","volume":"7 ","pages":"26924366261447905"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13422715/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148655431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Teleconsultations for Hypertension Management in Rural Kazakhstan: A Two-Phase Service Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction, Trust, and Feasibility.","authors":"Ainur Bilmakhanbetova, Gulnara Kulkayeva, Telman Seisembekov, Serik Ibraev","doi":"10.1177/26924366251407895","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26924366251407895","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rural regions of Kazakhstan face persistent barriers to specialist access. Arterial hypertension (AH) remains highly prevalent, while limited digital literacy may restrict the uptake of telemedicine solutions.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate medical and digital literacy, patient satisfaction, and perceived barriers associated with cardiology teleconsultations for AH in rural Kazakhstan, and to explore changes in patient trust and demographic differences between survey phases.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A two-phase service evaluation was conducted. Phase 1 (offline, February 2023) surveyed rural adults with AH (<i>n</i> = 134). Phase 2 implemented mobile-based cardiology teleconsultations (July 2023-January 2024) and included a post-consultation online survey (<i>n</i> = 51, September-December 2024). Descriptive data were summarized as <i>n</i> (%) or mean ± SD; inferential analyses included Welch's <i>t</i>-test (age), the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (trust before/after), Spearman correlation (digital literacy-trust), the chi-square test (gender-satisfaction), and Kruskal-Wallis (age group-satisfaction).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In Phase 1, awareness of hypertension and complications was high (96% and 76%), but knowledge of risk factors was lower (78%). Most participants owned a BP monitor (81%) and could measure blood pressure at home (78%); 40% did so daily. Digital engagement was limited-73% were unfamiliar with \"digital medicine,\" and 75% did not use health apps. In Phase 2, 82% of patients found teleconsultations convenient, and 90% rated remote care as excellent or good; 73% rated physician performance as excellent. Reported barriers included poor internet connectivity (43%), and most consultations occurred via mobile phones (92%). The mean participant age declined from 59 ± 11 years (offline) to 48 ± 13 years (online) (Welch's t <i>p</i> < 0.0001). Trust in telemedicine significantly increased after the consultation (Wilcoxon <i>p</i> < 0.00001). Satisfaction did not differ by gender (<i>p</i> = 0.79) or age group (<i>p</i> = 0.349). A simplified cost analysis indicated ∼66.7% lower per-visit cost compared with in-person consultations.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Mobile teleconsultations for hypertension management were feasible, well accepted, and associated with a significant improvement in patient trust among rural populations. Targeted efforts to improve digital literacy and connectivity could enhance equitable adoption. Early economic signals support integrating teleconsultations into routine rural health care services.</p>","PeriodicalId":94218,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine reports","volume":"7 ","pages":"26924366251407895"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13443231/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148687276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Telemedicine and Utilization of Chest X-Rays in Pediatric Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Lessons from the COVID-19 Lockdown.","authors":"Sophia Eilat-Tsanani, Moti Almog, Vered Levy","doi":"10.1177/26924366251394487","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26924366251394487","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading infectious disease in children, with management guidelines emphasizing clinical judgment over routine imaging. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption, raising questions about its impact on pediatric CAP care. We conducted a retrospective database study within primary care, comparing chest X-ray use for CAP diagnosis during three lockdown periods (2020-2021) with corresponding pre-pandemic periods (2018-2019). Children aged 1-14 years with CAP diagnoses were included (<i>n</i> = 3,499 pre-pandemic; <i>n</i> = 438 during lockdown). Remote consultations increased significantly (1.7% vs. 11.6%, <i>p</i> < 0.001), while chest X-ray referrals remained stable, and antibiotic use also stayed consistent. Predictors for imaging shifted: pre-pandemic, older age and longer travel distance were significant factors, whereas during lockdown, only higher socioeconomic status was associated. The ongoing use of telemedicine after COVID-19 offers an opportunity to develop strategies that improve diagnostic confidence and encourage \"choosing wisely\" in pediatric pneumonia diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":94218,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine reports","volume":"6 1","pages":"396-400"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12670714/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145673261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Walking Practice in Menopausal Women Monitored Using a Mobile Application.","authors":"Yun-Su Kim","doi":"10.1177/26924366251394595","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26924366251394595","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Physical activity has been shown to improve the health of middle-aged women and prevent menopause-associated disorders. Considering advances in technology, investigating the effects of exercises, especially walking, on the health of menopausal women using a mobile application is crucial. Therefore, this study aimed to implement a 12-week walking program for menopausal women using a mobile application (WalkON) and to investigate changes in health conditions, lifestyle habits, social support and mental health, health-promoting behaviors, health beliefs, and self-efficacy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This observational study, utilizing a nonequivalent control group and pre- to post-test design, was conducted between September 9, 2024, and November 11, 2024, with the intervention group consisting of 46 participants and the control group consisting of 45 participants. SPSS software was used to analyze the data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed that, compared with those in the control group, sleep quality scores in the intervention group decreased significantly following the walking intervention, indicating that sleep quality improved in the intervention group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In addition, changes in depression levels were also significant between the two groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Among the health-promoting behavior subfactors, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the health responsibility domain (<i>p</i> < 0.01). There was also a significant difference in the nutrition domain between the intervention and control groups (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Similarly, a significant difference between the two groups was found in the self-efficacy domain (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>WalkONs have potential positive effects on health-promoting behaviors and mental health improvement, and could serve as an effective strategy to improve physical and mental health in women experiencing menopausal symptoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":94218,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine reports","volume":"6 1","pages":"401-412"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12670657/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145673230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Click for Care, Care for Planet: Sustainable Marketing Drivers of Telemedicine Adoption.","authors":"Altuğ Ocak","doi":"10.1177/26924366251394120","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26924366251394120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study examines telemedicine as a sustainable service innovation that combines health, environmental and convenience benefits. It explores how these perceived benefits influence attitudes and intentions to use telemedicine and how trust in the provider shapes this relationship.</p><p><strong>Design/methodology: </strong>A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 400 adults who had used or planned to use telemedicine. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling with 5,000 bootstraps.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Perceived environmental (β = 0.318, <i>p</i> < 0.001), health (β = 0.267, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and convenience benefits (β = 0.231, <i>p</i> < 0.001) all positively affected attitudes toward telemedicine. Attitude, in turn, predicted behavioral intention (β = 0.412, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Trust in provider strengthened the link between attitude and intention (β = 0.073, p = 0.002). The model explained 69% of variance in attitude and 74% in intention (<i>R</i> ² = 0.69; <i>R</i> ² = 0.74).</p><p><strong>Practical implications: </strong>Results show that emphasizing both health and environmental value can enhance public acceptance of telemedicine.</p><p><strong>Originality/value: </strong>By integrating sustainable marketing logic with the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study highlights telemedicine's role in advancing eco-efficient, patient-centered health care adoption.</p>","PeriodicalId":94218,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine reports","volume":"6 1","pages":"382-395"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12670705/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145673236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Telemedicine Use Among Older Adults During COVID-19: A Narrative Literature Review of Utilization Patterns.","authors":"Meghan N Breckling, Leah Tobey-Moore, Allie Parsons, Madeline Butera, Caraline Annichiarico, Mohab Ali","doi":"10.1177/26924366251388236","DOIUrl":"10.1177/26924366251388236","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>With the rapid expansion of telemedicine services during the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns have emerged about equitable access for vulnerable populations, including older adults. This narrative literature review aims to examine patterns of telemedicine use among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States (U.S.).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive review of 55 articles published between 2020 and 2024 was conducted to analyze disparities in older adult telemedicine use around the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from electronic health records and medical claims data were compiled for analysis. Variations based on visit modalities, geographic regions and divisions, age categorization, and medical specialties were explored.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most studies found lower use among older adults, with 23 reporting significantly reduced usage compared with younger groups. Only 11 showed higher use, while 12 found no difference or had inconclusive results, and 11 did not include an in-person comparison group. A total of 26 studies used a single cross-sectional design, and 29 used multiple cross-sectional designs. Research was primarily conducted in the Northeast and West, U.S., with most studies analyzing telephone, video, and in-person visits (<i>n</i> = 35) and electronic health record data (<i>n</i> = 48).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This review reveals persistent disparities in telemedicine use among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for research into contributing factors and targeted strategies to improve access. Policymakers should consider initiatives such as financial support, broadband expansion, and digital literacy programs to promote equity.</p>","PeriodicalId":94218,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine reports","volume":"6 1","pages":"371-381"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12670650/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145673241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}