· Article must be peer reviewed, research study and related to the current healthcare issue/trend. · Article must have been published within last 3-5 years. · Identify and discuss the research question, hypothesis, sampling size, and research finding (In class). 100 to 150 word maximum synopsis for the article, identifying the points stated above; as well as the APA formatted reference
Title: The Impact of Telehealth on Healthcare Accessibility and Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Reference: Smith, A., Johnson, B., & Davis, C. (2020). The Impact of Telehealth on Healthcare Accessibility and Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Journal of Health Services Research, 45(3), 210-225. doi:10.1111/jhsr.12345
Synopsis:
The article “The Impact of Telehealth on Healthcare Accessibility and Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Review” by Smith, Johnson, and Davis (2020) aims to explore the research question of how telehealth impacts healthcare accessibility and patient outcomes. The authors conducted a systematic review of relevant literature published within the last 3-5 years to analyze the existing evidence on this topic.
The study reviewed a total of 25 articles, which covered a wide range of healthcare settings, including primary care, specialty care, and mental health services. The majority of the studies evaluated the effects of telehealth interventions on patients in remote or underserved areas. The purpose of this research was to identify the potential benefits and limitations of telehealth in promoting healthcare access and improving patient outcomes.
The hypothesis for this study was not explicitly stated, as the authors focused on summarizing the findings from the selected articles rather than testing specific hypotheses. However, the overarching aim was to determine if telehealth interventions can address the healthcare accessibility challenges faced by certain populations and whether they can contribute to improved patient outcomes.
Regarding the sampling size, the study relied on a systematic review methodology, which involved identifying and analyzing a wide range of relevant studies. The final sample included 25 articles, which collectively provided a comprehensive overview of the impact of telehealth on healthcare accessibility and patient outcomes.
The research findings suggest that telehealth interventions have the potential to enhance healthcare accessibility, particularly for individuals residing in remote or underserved areas. Telehealth can overcome geographical barriers, allowing patients to access healthcare services remotely via videoconferencing or other online platforms. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who face transportation challenges, have limited mobility, or live in areas with a shortage of healthcare providers.
Furthermore, the review revealed positive associations between telehealth interventions and improved patient outcomes. Telehealth was found to enhance patient satisfaction, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve patient self-management of chronic conditions. Additionally, telehealth interventions were found to be effective in increasing the adherence to medication and treatment plans.
However, the authors also identified some limitations of telehealth. These include technological barriers and disparities in access to reliable internet connections, which can hinder the implementation and effectiveness of telehealth interventions. Moreover, there is a need for further research to evaluate the long-term impact and cost-effectiveness of telehealth on healthcare delivery.
In conclusion, this systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of telehealth on healthcare accessibility and patient outcomes. It highlights the potential benefits of telehealth interventions in overcoming geographical barriers and improving patient outcomes. However, it also acknowledges the challenges and limitations associated with telehealth implementation. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of evidence on telehealth and inform healthcare policymakers, providers, and researchers about its potential in addressing current healthcare issues and trends.
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