Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41487302›Full record

ReviewFrontiers in digital health2025

Impact of telehealth on health outcomes and quality of life in the older adults population: a systematic review.

Gonçalo Fernandes, Teodora Figueiredo, Elísio Costa, Luís Coelho, Dirk Loyens

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Frontiers in digital health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
  3. Cost-Effectiveness of a Lifestyle and Behavioral Care Model Targeting Cardiometabolic Disease Progression.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2026
    Article
  4. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Gonçalo FernandesISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Teodora FigueiredoRISE-Health, Competence Center for Active and Healthy Ageing, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Elísio CostaRISE-Health, Competence Center for Active and Healthy Ageing, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Luís CoelhoISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Dirk LoyensID+, ESMAD, Polytechnic of Porto, Vila do Conde, Portugal.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: The rapid aging of populations poses major challenges to health and social care systems. Supporting older adults in managing chronic conditions while promoting independence and quality of life requires innovative approaches that extend beyond senior institutional care. Telehealth has emerged as a promising approach to enhance access, continuity, and patient engagement. However, evidence regarding its effectiveness and best practices remains fragmented. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on telehealth interventions for adults aged 65 years and older, focusing on their effects on health outcomes, quality of life, and well-being. Methods: A search across three databases in the last five years identified 37 eligible studies, and data analysis was guided by a comprehensive taxonomy. Interventions were diverse, spanning disease management, rehabilitation, health promotion, clinical decision support, and psychological support. Results: Reported benefits included improved physical function, better chronic disease control, greater health knowledge, and reductions in avoidable hospitalizations. Video-based programs showed greater effectiveness, while telephone-only interventions were most useful when combined with remote monitoring. Adherence was strengthened by professional guidance, caregiver support, and real-time feedback. Discussion: Despite encouraging findings, evidence remains inconsistent regarding quality-of-life outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and scalability across populations, with many studies limited by small samples, short duration, and methodological heterogeneity. Telehealth holds the potential to complement traditional care for older adults across multiple clinical domains, and future research must adopt consistent and comprehensive reporting practices to strengthen decision-making and ensure that this pathway evolves with patients' needs. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD420251072656.

Indexed as

disease managementhealth outcomeshealth promotionolder adultsquality of liferehabilitationsystematic reviewtelehealth

Identifiers

PMID41487302
PMCPMC12756505

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.