What is the efficacy and effectiveness of telemedicine intervention for deaf signing populations in comparison to face-to-face interventions? A systematic review

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background
Deaf signing populations face inequality in both access to health services and health outcomes. Telemedicine intervention might offer a potential solution to address these inequalities in mental health and health related services, therefore a systematic review was carried out. The review question was: “What is the efficacy and effectiveness of telemedicine intervention for Deaf signing populations in comparison to face-to-face interventions?”.

Methods
The PICO framework was applied to identify the components of the review question for this study. The inclusion criteria were: Deaf signing populations; any intervention that includes the delivery of telemedicine therapy and/or the delivery of assessment (e.g. psychological assessments) using telemedicine; and any evidence for the benefits, efficacy and effectiveness of telemedicine intervention with Deaf people whether in health and/or mental health services. The databases PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Medline were searched up to August 2021.

Results
Following the search strategy, and after the duplicates were removed, 247 records were identified. Following screening, 232 were removed as they did not meet the inclusion criteria. The remaining 15 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Only two met the criteria to be included in the review (both concerned telemedicine and mental health interventions). However, they did not fully answer the review’s research question. Therefore, the evidence gap remains regarding the effectiveness of telemedicine intervention for Deaf people.

Conclusions
The review has identified a gap in the knowledge on the efficacy and effectiveness of telemedicine intervention for Deaf people when compared with face-to-face interventions.
Original languageEnglish
Article number678
JournalBMC Health Services Research
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Jun 2023

Keywords

  • Face-to-face
  • Sign language
  • Systematic review
  • Telemedicine

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