To systematically present existing evidence concerning the use of telemedicine applications in general practice, particularly in light of its decline post-pandemic.
Key Findings:
Over 50% of included studies reported positive significant effects on clinical outcomes, suggesting potential benefits for patient care.
More than 80% of studies involved asynchronous applications, indicating a trend towards this method.
95% of studies had a follow-up period of 12 months or less, which may limit understanding of long-term effects.
Focus was primarily on chronic somatic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure, which may not represent the most common conditions in general practice.
Interpretation:
Evidence supports the use of telemedicine in general practice, but studies mainly addressed less common conditions and had short follow-up periods, highlighting the need for further research.
Limitations:
Majority of studies focused on chronic diseases not commonly encountered in general practice, which may limit applicability.
Short follow-up periods may limit the understanding of long-term effects on patient health.
Studies were not initiated by the specialty itself, potentially affecting relevance and applicability to general practice.
Conclusion:
Telemedicine shows promise in improving clinical outcomes in general practice, but further research is needed to address common conditions and longer-term effects.
