Saleem MK, Sattar K, Ejaz KF, Rehman MU, Saleem H, Khursheed S, Akbar A, Ahmed J, Tariq M, Jadoon SK, Saleem Khan M, Tasneem S, Khandker SS, Kundu S, Alvi S. Use of telemedicine to tackle health problems in South Asia during the COVID-19 era and beyond: a systematic review.
Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024;
86:1012-1020. [PMID:
38333256 PMCID:
PMC10849386 DOI:
10.1097/ms9.0000000000001649]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Telemedicine (TM) and teleconsultation services flourished during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission to avoid COVID-19 infection and physical contact. Many physicians switched to the virtual treatment mode and nearly all types of health disciplines were covered. Through this systematic review, the authors tried to explore the strengths and weaknesses of TM, identify the barriers to adopting TM by population, and explain the limitations of this healthcare delivery model.
Methods and results
In this systematic review, 28 studies were included (>53% high-quality studies) as eligible, where nearly 75% (n=21) of the studies were from India, and the remaining 25% (n=7) were from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Advice related to cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurological diseases were the most common among the health disciplines in which TM was used. A peak in teleconsultation was observed during the high transmission phase of COVID-19, although major queries were associated with existing health complications and comorbidities.
Conclusion
Other than a few concerns regarding connectivity, privacy, and diagnosis, TM was in fact affordable, timesaving, feasible, and accurate, which ensured a highly satisfying experience among the participants (>80%).
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