The Effectiveness of Telehealth Self‐Management Interventions to Improve the Health Outcomes of Adults Undergoing Haemodialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT

Background

Haemodialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for patients suffering from advanced chronic kidney disease that persists without respite. Adherence to complex haemodialysis regimens demands rigorous self-management. Current literature has suggested the potential of novel telehealth technologies in supporting the self-management of haemodialysis patients, but this remains inconclusive.

Aim

To synthesise available evidence to determine the effectiveness of telehealth self-management interventions on the health outcomes of adults undergoing haemodialysis.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis (reported according to the PRISMA Guidelines).

Methods

Nine electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global), trial registries and grey literature were searched from inception till 1 December 2023 for randomised controlled trials on the effectiveness of telehealth self-management interventions for haemodialysis patients. Two independent reviewers performed screening, data extraction and risk-of-bias appraisal using Cochrane RoB tool-1. Meta-analyses using Review Manager Web synthesised the interventional effects. Cochrane GRADE assessed the overall quality of evidence.

Results

Fifteen randomised controlled trials (involving 1003 participants) were included. Telehealth self-management interventions had a medium statistically significant effect on improving self-efficacy (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI [0.25, 0.83], Z = 3.69, p = 0.0002). Additional meta-analyses for the outcomes of knowledge, treatment adherence, health-related quality of life, inter-dialytic weight gain and serum electrolyte levels were non-statistically significant but appeared promising to be improved by telehealth self-management. The overall certainty of evidence for all outcomes was very low.

Conclusions

This review provided insights into the clinical importance of telehealth self-management interventions in self-efficacy enhancement among haemodialysis patients. Future researchers are encouraged to optimise telehealth components relevant to the worldwide needs and cultural diversity of adults undergoing haemodialysis.

Implication for Professional Care

Adoption of technological healthcare delivery is vital in establishing positive health outcomes and sustainability of routine patient care pathways.

Patient or Public Contribution

None.

Registration: PROSPERO CRD42024438860