Telehealth for Disease Management: A Scoping Review of Effectiveness in the Perinatal Period
Author(s)
Heeseung J. Mueller, PharmD, MS, Emma L. Pennington, PharmD, MS, PhD, Alexcia S. Carr, PharmD, Jamie C. Barner, PhD;
The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy - Health Outcomes, Austin, TX, USA
The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy - Health Outcomes, Austin, TX, USA
Presentation Documents
OBJECTIVES: To review the literature and summarize the effectiveness of telehealth for diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), mental health (anxiety and depression), and opioid use disorder (OUD) management during the perinatal period post-onset of COVID-19.
METHODS: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore databases were searched for articles published between 2020 and 2023 using keywords (COVID-19), (maternal, maternity, obstetrics, perinatal, pregnancy), and (telemedicine, telehealth). Studies reported in English and conducted post-onset of COVID-19 that addressed disease management (diabetes, hypertension, mental health, OUD) during pregnancy or postpartum were included. Commentary, guidelines, protocols, review articles, and perspectives were excluded.
RESULTS: Of 2,380 unique studies identified, 24 studies met the criteria, including 7 randomized controlled trials. Studies were conducted in 11 different countries, with one-half (N=12) from the United States. Most studies addressed mental health (N=10) or diabetes (N=9), while additional studies focused on HDP (N=4) and OUD (N=1). Telehealth interventions (apps, video conferencing, audio visits) and clinical effectiveness varied by disease state. Most studies reported at least one positive outcome (N=19, 79.2%); however, some also reported negative outcomes (N=8, 33.3%). Glycemic control was adequately achieved in most studies (N=8, 88.9%). Most telehealth interventions resulted in lower anxiety and depression symptoms (N=7, 70%) measured by validated and non-validated scales. Most studies (N=3, 75%) reported positive or neutral results regarding HDP management. Only one study examined OUD and it reported negative outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, telehealth offered effective diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, and depression management in perinatal women and often improved patient outcomes post-onset of COVID-19. Continuation of telehealth services to perinatal women with these chronic conditions may be beneficial and should be considered for individual and clinical cases where appropriate. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of telehealth interventions for OUD management, as well as other chronic conditions.
METHODS: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore databases were searched for articles published between 2020 and 2023 using keywords (COVID-19), (maternal, maternity, obstetrics, perinatal, pregnancy), and (telemedicine, telehealth). Studies reported in English and conducted post-onset of COVID-19 that addressed disease management (diabetes, hypertension, mental health, OUD) during pregnancy or postpartum were included. Commentary, guidelines, protocols, review articles, and perspectives were excluded.
RESULTS: Of 2,380 unique studies identified, 24 studies met the criteria, including 7 randomized controlled trials. Studies were conducted in 11 different countries, with one-half (N=12) from the United States. Most studies addressed mental health (N=10) or diabetes (N=9), while additional studies focused on HDP (N=4) and OUD (N=1). Telehealth interventions (apps, video conferencing, audio visits) and clinical effectiveness varied by disease state. Most studies reported at least one positive outcome (N=19, 79.2%); however, some also reported negative outcomes (N=8, 33.3%). Glycemic control was adequately achieved in most studies (N=8, 88.9%). Most telehealth interventions resulted in lower anxiety and depression symptoms (N=7, 70%) measured by validated and non-validated scales. Most studies (N=3, 75%) reported positive or neutral results regarding HDP management. Only one study examined OUD and it reported negative outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, telehealth offered effective diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, and depression management in perinatal women and often improved patient outcomes post-onset of COVID-19. Continuation of telehealth services to perinatal women with these chronic conditions may be beneficial and should be considered for individual and clinical cases where appropriate. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of telehealth interventions for OUD management, as well as other chronic conditions.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
HSD34
Topic
Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, SDC: Cardiovascular Disorders (including MI, Stroke, Circulatory), SDC: Diabetes/Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders (including obesity), SDC: Mental Health (including addition), SDC: Reproductive & Sexual Health