10.14.2019

Effectiveness of Ambulatory Telemedicine Care in Older Adults

Rural residence often presents a barrier to individual healthcare access, especially in older adults. In a systematic review published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society researchers sought to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness in providing telemedicine, described as “live, synchronous, two-way videoconferencing communication in nonhospital settings”. Using publication dates from January 2012 to July 2018, seventeen randomized controlled trials were identified as meeting their criteria. Findings demonstrate that telemedicine interventions are feasible and acceptable among older adults and that similar outcomes are achievable compared to usual, in-person care.

Links: J Am Geriatr Soc (9/2019)(Available via Medscape – open access with site registration)