Advantages and Challenges in Using Telehealth for Home-Based Palliative Care: Protocol for a Systematic Mixed Studies...

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Health Services Research
• Digital Health

Background:

• Increasing demand for palliative care and workforce shortages challenge equitable service delivery.
• Telehealth offers a potential solution for home-based palliative care, allowing patients to remain at home.
• Evidence on patient experiences with telehealth in home palliative care is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize patient experiences with telehealth in home-based palliative care.
• To identify the advantages and challenges of telehealth from the patient's perspective.
• To inform the development of patient-centered telehealth palliative care.

Main Methods:

• Systematic mixed studies review with a convergent design.
• PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines followed.
• Systematic search of eight databases (Jan 2010–June 2020, updated 2021), thematic synthesis of data.

Main Results:

• The review protocol and design are described.
• Database searches completed June 25, 2020; eligibility assessment pending.
• Results anticipated by August 2021.

Conclusions:

• This review will provide recommendations for practice and policy.
• Aims to align telehealth services with patient preferences and needs in home palliative care.
• Supports patient-centered care through effective telehealth implementation.