Community health programs delivered through information and communications technology in high-income countries: a scoping review (Preprint)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has required a widespread and rapid adoption of information and communications technology (ICT) platforms by health professionals. Transitioning health programs from face-to-face to remote delivery using ICT platforms, has introduced new challenges.

The objective of this review was to scope for ICT-delivered health programs implemented within the community health setting in high income countries, and rapidly disseminate findings to health professionals.

The Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) scoping review methodology guided the review of literature.

The search retrieved 7110 unique citations. Each title and abstract were screened by at least two reviewers, resulting in 399 citations for full text review. Of these, 72 citations were included. An additional 27 citations were identified through reviewing reference lists of included studies resulting in 99 citations. Citations examined 83 ICT-delivered programs from 19 high-income countries. Variations in program design, ICT platforms, research design and outcomes were evident.

Included programs and research were heterogenous, addressing prevalent chronic diseases. Evidence was retrieved for the effectiveness of nurse and allied health ICT-delivered programs. Findings indicated that outcomes for participants receiving ICT-delivered programs, when compared to participants receiving in-person programs, were either equivalent or better. Gaps included a paucity of co-designed programs, qualitative research around group programs, programs for patients and carers, and evaluation of cost-effectiveness. During COVID-19 and beyond, health professionals in the community health setting are encouraged to build on existing knowledge and address evidence gaps by developing and evaluating innovative ICT-delivered programs in collaboration with consumers and carers.