Telemedicine in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review

Abstract

Telemedicine is defined as the use of electronic technology for information and communication by healthcare professionals with patients (or care givers) aiming at providing and supporting healthcare to patients away from healthcare institutions. This systematic review over the last decade (2013-2022) investigates the use of telemedicine in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We identified 53 publications related to: (1) home tele-monitorization; (2) tele-education and self-management; (3) telerehabilitation; and (4) mobile health (mHealth). Results showed that, although evidence is still weak in many of these domains, results are positive in terms of improvement of health-status, use of health-care resources, feasibility, and patient satisfaction. Importantly, no safety issues were identified. Thus, telemedicine can be considered today as a potential complement to usual healthcare.

Keywords: Bronquitis crónica; Chronic bronchitis; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); Emphysema; Enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC); Enfisema; eHealth; eSalud; mHealth and telemedicine; mSalud y telemedicina.