Home telehealth for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

J Telemed Telecare. 2010;16(3):120-7. doi: 10.1258/jtt.2009.090812. Epub 2010 Mar 2.

Abstract

We conducted a systematic review of the literature about home telehealth for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared with usual care. An electronic literature search identified 6241 citations. From these, nine original studies (10 references) relating to 858 patients were selected for inclusion in the review. Four studies compared home telemonitoring with usual care, and six randomized controlled trials compared telephone support with usual care. Clinical heterogeneity was present in many of the outcomes measured. Home telehealth (home telemonitoring and telephone support) was found to reduce rates of hospitalization and emergency department visits, while findings for hospital bed days of care varied between studies. However, the mortality rate was greater in the telephone-support group compared with usual care (risk ratio = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.84 to 1.75). Home telehealth interventions were similar or better than usual care for quality of life and patient satisfaction outcomes.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Home Care Services / organization & administration*
  • Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / mortality
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / therapy*
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care
  • Telemedicine / organization & administration*
  • Telemedicine / statistics & numerical data