Applications and outcomes of implementing telemedicine for hypertension management in COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 presented a significant challenge for patients with hypertension in terms of access to care. However, telemedicine offered the healthcare system opportunities that had previously been underutilized. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review the applications and outcomes of telemedicine for hypertension management during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD

A structured search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines across multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search was limited to studies published from December 2019 until May 2023, resulting in a total of 3727 studies. After quality appraisal using the CASP checklists version 2018, 29 articles were included in the final review. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Most of the studies reviewed had used the proprietary platforms (N = 14) and 11 studies had used public platforms such as social messengers or email. Also 9 studies relied on phone calls (N = 9) to record and transmit the clinical data. Some studies had applied two different approaches (proprietary/public platforms and phone). six articles (20.7%) focused only on hypertension control, while 23 articles (79.3%) examined hypertension as a comorbidity with other diseases. Also, the study identified 88 unique concepts, 15 initial themes, and six final themes for outcomes of using telemedicine for hypertension management during the COVID-19 pandemic. These themes include BP control, BP measurement and recording, medication management, mental health, care continuity and use and acceptance.

CONCLUSION

Telemedicine provides patients with hypertension with the opportunity to engage in medical consultations in a more convenient and comfortable manner, with the same validity as in-person visits. Telemedicine facilitates the creation of a connected network to support patients with high BP at any time and in any location. Limitations and issues may arise due to patients and healthcare staff's unfamiliarity with telemedicine. These issues can be resolved through the ongoing use and continuous feedback.