Digital health interventions and patient safety in abdominal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Although research into telehealth shows generally positive patient outcomes, it is important consider the types and mode of telehealth delivery and specific clinical contexts. This review summarizes findings from 19 studies on pre- and/or post-operative telehealth for patients undergoing abdominal surgery. The telehealth care was provided by phone or video, mobile application, or remote monitoring. Emergency department visits and hospital readmissions were lower in telehealth vs. conventional care, and there were no differences in post-operative complications. Continued research is needed to understand which components of telehealth show the most promise.