Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review

Abstract

BackgroundGroup therapy and education and support sessions are used within health care across a range of disciplines such as chronic disease self-management and psychotherapy interventions. However, there are barriers that constrain group attendance, such as mobility, time, and distance. Using videoconferencing may overcome known barriers and improve the accessibility of group-based interventions.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to review the literature to determine the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and implementation of health professional–led group videoconferencing to provide education or social support or both, into the home setting.MethodsElectronic databases were searched using predefined search terms for primary interventions for patient education and/or social support. The quality of studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. We developed an analysis framework using hierarchical terms feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and implementation, which were informed by subheadings.ResultsOf the 1634 records identified, 17 were included in this review. Home-based groups by videoconferencing are feasible even for those with limited digital literacy. Overall acceptability was high with access from the home highly valued and little concern of privacy issues. Some participants reported preferring face-to-face groups. Good information technology (IT) support and training is required for facilitators and participants. Communication can be adapted for the Web environment and would be enhanced by clear communication strategies and protocols. A range of improved outcomes were reported but because of the heterogeneity of studies, comparison of these across studies was not possible. There was a trend for improvement in mental health outcomes. Benefits highlighted in the qualitative data included engaging with others with similar problems; improved accessibility to groups; and development of health knowledge, insights, and skills. Videoconference groups were able to replicate group processes such as bonding and cohesiveness. Similar outcomes were reported for those comparing face-to-face groups and videoconference groups.ConclusionsGroups delivered by videoconference are feasible and potentially can improve the accessibility of group interventions. This may be particularly useful for those who live in rural areas, have limited mobility, are socially isolated, or fear meeting new people. Outcomes are similar to in-person groups, but future research on facilitation process in videoconferencing-mediated groups and large-scale studies are required to develop the evidence base.

A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program via Group Video Conferencing for Adults With Cerebral Palsy – A Pilot Study

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“…In the first data set (experience of outcome of intervention), we generated initial codes for the semantic meaning in the text, secondly reviewed and refined themes in the form of text extracts of each theme, and then defined and named the themes. In the second data set (experience and evaluation of the use of VC) we based the thematic analysis on the themes in Banbury's research (32), highlighting aspects of feasibility and acceptability, such as usability, communication adaption, and accessibility. Since the data from the focus group interviews were a deepening of the written comments in the evaluation questionnaire, these data are reported together.…”

Exploring patients' and clinicians' experiences of video consultations in primary care: a systematic scoping review

“…Internationally, video is used for conducting consultations in the routine delivery of health care, with use reported across a range of settings and clinical specialties, including specialist diabetes care, 1 paediatric acute care, 2 specialist palliative care services, 3 primary care, 4 clinical oncology, 5 and mental health settings. 6 Despite offering advantages relating to its remoteness and convenience for patients, 7,8 adoption and uptake have been slow in healthcare settings. 9,10 This has particularly been the case for primary care settings, where levels of use are low.…”

The impact of psychosocial stress and stress management on immune responses in patients with cancer

“…Attending face‐to‐face group meetings may present challenges to specific cancer populations as they navigate health care appointments while maintaining employment and child care responsibilities, in those who are hesitant to attend structured groups in institutional settings, or in patients who must be isolated for infection control after procedures such as chemotherapy and HSCT. Technological innovations now make it possible to offer interventions at home over a broadband platform . In RCTs, online programs that allow patients with breast cancer to create personal blog sites improved mood .…”

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