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Digital technology in primary healthcare service delivery can enhance accessibility, service delivery and health outcomes in rural populations. The objective of this systematic review is to review and synthesise the scope and impact of digital health technology innovations within rural primary healthcare settings.
Systematic review.
Articles published on PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EMBASE and CINAHL between January 2013 and October 2025 were searched using key search terms.
Patient, intervention, context, outcome model criteria guided article eligibility. Included articles were undertaken in rural populations, used digital health technology for treatment or management, explored the impact of digital health technology on rural primary healthcare and reported on healthcare outcomes. Included articles were in the English language and presented peer-reviewed primary research.
Extraction was performed using a bespoke standardised template by multiple reviewers. Quality assessment was undertaken using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Descriptive analysis and conventional inductive content analysis were applied to quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. The review is written in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols statement guidelines.
66 studies were included in the review. Most studies were conducted in the USA (n=26). Most studies focused on adult patient populations, with limited representation of Indigenous (In=3) and paediatric populations (n=2). Telemedicine/telehealth interventions using audio, video or both were the most common (n=36). Remote patient monitoring or point-of-care testing was integrated into 21 studies. Physical health conditions, particularly diabetes (n=17), cardiovascular diseases (n=11) and general primary healthcare concerns (n=13) were commonly reported. Others reported on areas including mental health, hypertension, obesity and pregnancy care.
Conventional inductive content analysis identified key themes: cost and time effectiveness, quality healthcare provision, consumer acceptance from both patients and practitioners, and healthcare service provider perspectives. Uptake barriers included staff workload and patient non-compliance, while facilitators encompassed process standardisation and practitioner acceptance and endorsement. Consumer acceptance was linked to satisfaction, willingness to engage and improved health outcomes and well-being.
Digital health interventions in rural primary healthcare offer significant potential to improve healthcare delivery, reduce costs and enhance patient access, satisfaction and health outcomes. However, careful consideration of factors such as feasibility, consumer and practitioner acceptance, and recognition of limitations is crucial for successful implementation. The review underscores the importance of flexible policies to support emerging digital healthcare solutions, including the integration of artificial intelligence. Overall, digital health interventions offer a promising avenue to improve healthcare outcomes in rural areas and should be prioritised for government funding and investment.
CRD42023477233.
The study aimed to explore the recent scientific literature regarding the knowledge, attitudes and practices of informal caregivers towards supporting a person with astroke.
This study was a scoping review that followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, Scoping Review extension) guidelines.
Searches were conducted across Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane, SCOPUS and Web of Science from January 2009 to January 2024.
The search results from the various database sources were collated in EndNote 20 and duplicates were removed. Following the removal of duplicates, the studies were imported to Covidence and filtered based on the well-defined eligibility criteria. Three reviewers independently conducted screening and data extraction, and any conflicts were resolved through discussion.
The analysis included a total of 37 studies that focused on the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to stroke caregiving. Of these, 15 studies addressed knowledge, 24 studies examined attitudes and 33 studies looked at caregiver practices.
This scoping review finds that lack of knowledge impacts the attitudes and practices of informal stroke caregivers. With the increasing incidence of stroke and the growing number of caregivers, there is an urgent need for targeted, individualised interventions accompanied by comprehensive evaluation.
Caregivers of people with stroke are often unprepared to provide care. Further research is needed to support these individuals, ensuring improved quality of life and better health outcomes for both the caregiver and the person with stroke.
Not applicable.
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