Integrating Telemedicine into Chronic Disease Management in Primary Healthcare: A Narrative Review
Keywords:
Telemedicine, Chronic Disease Management, Primary Healthcare, Remote Patient Monitoring, Digital Health Equity, Mobile Health, Virtual ConsultationAbstract
Chronic diseases represent a significant global health burden, straining primary healthcare systems and necessitating innovative approaches for long term management. This narrative review explores the role of telemedicine in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease within primary care settings. A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on peer reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2024. The findings reveal that virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring technologies are effective in promoting adherence, reducing hospitalizations, and supporting patient self-management. Mobile health applications enhance engagement and lifestyle modifications, particularly when tailored to user characteristics. Telemedicine has also improved healthcare access among rural and underserved populations by mitigating geographic and socio economic barriers. However, disparities in infrastructure, digital literacy, and policy consistency hinder equitable access and utilization. This review underscores the need for standardized reimbursement frameworks, infrastructure investments, culturally sensitive care models, and targeted digital education. Despite systemic challenges, telemedicine demonstrates robust potential as a transformative tool for chronic disease care in primary settings. Future research should prioritize the development of hybrid care models, examine long term outcomes, and engage diverse populations to optimize the design and delivery of telehealth interventions.
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