Mohamed-Amine Choukou1, Ali Maddahi2, Anna Polyvyana3, Caroline Monnin4. 1. Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0T6, Canada; Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0T6, Canada. Electronic address: Amine.choukou@umanitoba.ca. 2. Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0T6, Canada; Tactile Robotics Ltd., 100-135 Innovation Dr, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 6A8, Canada. 3. Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0T6, Canada. 4. Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0T6, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Telehealth implementation is a great solution for Indigenous older adults (OAs) due to the rise of chronic disease and other age-related health disorders. Telehealth is a promising option to increase quality of life, decrease healthcare costs, and offer more independent living. OBJECTIVES: This scoping review investigated existing telehealth solutions that have been implemented to serve Indigenous OAs. METHODS: A structured search strategy was performed on 6 electronic databases: Ovid Medline, Ovid PsycINFO, Ovid Embase, EBSCOhost, Scopus and Cochrane. Studies were included in the review if they contained information on telehealth technologies for Indigenous OAs (aged 65 years and older). Grey literature was also explored in ProQuest Theses and Dissertations, ERIC, Google Advanced and various government websites from Canada, Australia/New Zealand and the USA. RESULTS: Twenty six articles were included and reviewed by two assessors. Analysis of the results from five countries revealed eight different types of telehealth solutions for Indigenous OAs. No documented telerehabilitation technologies were available to OAs in Indigenous Communities. Analysis of a broad range of Indigenous OAs with different chronic diseases revealed that they are seeking telehealth technologies for ease of access to health care, increased health equity and cost-effectiveness. Results revealed various advantages of telehealth for Indigenous OAs and barriers for implementing such technologies in Indigenous communities. CONCLUSION: The use of telehealth technologies among OAs is expected to rise, but effective implementation will be successful only if the patient's acceptance and culture are kept at the forefront, and if healthcare services are provided by telehealth-trained healthcare professionals.
BACKGROUND: Telehealth implementation is a great solution for Indigenous older adults (OAs) due to the rise of chronic disease and other age-related health disorders. Telehealth is a promising option to increase quality of life, decrease healthcare costs, and offer more independent living. OBJECTIVES: This scoping review investigated existing telehealth solutions that have been implemented to serve Indigenous OAs. METHODS: A structured search strategy was performed on 6 electronic databases: Ovid Medline, Ovid PsycINFO, Ovid Embase, EBSCOhost, Scopus and Cochrane. Studies were included in the review if they contained information on telehealth technologies for Indigenous OAs (aged 65 years and older). Grey literature was also explored in ProQuest Theses and Dissertations, ERIC, Google Advanced and various government websites from Canada, Australia/New Zealand and the USA. RESULTS: Twenty six articles were included and reviewed by two assessors. Analysis of the results from five countries revealed eight different types of telehealth solutions for Indigenous OAs. No documented telerehabilitation technologies were available to OAs in Indigenous Communities. Analysis of a broad range of Indigenous OAs with different chronic diseases revealed that they are seeking telehealth technologies for ease of access to health care, increased health equity and cost-effectiveness. Results revealed various advantages of telehealth for Indigenous OAs and barriers for implementing such technologies in Indigenous communities. CONCLUSION: The use of telehealth technologies among OAs is expected to rise, but effective implementation will be successful only if the patient's acceptance and culture are kept at the forefront, and if healthcare services are provided by telehealth-trained healthcare professionals.