Virtual Healthcare for Older Adults With Preventable Chronic Conditions: A Meta-synthesis of Quality Aspects

Abstract

Our study employed a six-step meta-synthesis approach to understand quality aspects of virtual healthcare trajectories and identify effective strategies for older adults with preventable chronic conditions across the world. Review of twenty-one articles revealed four key themes: functionality of virtual healthcare, equity in service delivery, satisfaction with care, and cost-effectiveness. Despite the challenges posed by technological and clinical complexities, virtual healthcare initiatives have significantly improved accessibility and availability of health services, thereby reducing disparities. Notably, telehealth saved an average of 166-minutes of travel time, demonstrating a clear benefit of virtual healthcare. While all parties expressed satisfaction with virtual healthcare, several challenges were reported, including a digital divide, limited access to digital devices, absence of a multidisciplinary approach, and lack of rural-specific programs.