Telehealth interventions for transition to self-management in
adolescents with allergic conditions: a systematic review
Abstract
Telehealth is an emerging approach that uses technology to provide
healthcare remotely. Recent publications have outlined the importance of
supporting the transition to self-management of adolescents with
allergic conditions. However, no synthesis of the evidence base on the
use and impact of telehealth interventions for this purpose has been
conducted to date. This review achieves these aims, in addition to
exploring the language use surrounding these interventions, and their
implementation. Four databases were searched systematically. References
were independently screened by two reviewers. Methodological quality was
assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A narrative synthesis
was undertaken. Eighteen papers were included, reporting on fifteen
telehealth interventions. 86% targeted adolescents with asthma. Mobile
applications were the most common telehealth modality used, followed by
video-conferencing, web-based, virtual reality and artificial
intelligence Five intervention content categories were identified;
educational, monitoring, behavioural, psychosocial and healthcare
navigational. Peer and/or healthcare professional interaction,
gamification and tailoring may increase engagement. The studies showed
positive effects of the interventions or no difference from active
controls, in self-management outcomes such as knowledge, health outcomes
such as quality-of-life, and economic outcomes such as healthcare
utilisation. The most common implementation outcomes reported were
acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility and fidelity.