Implementing Telemedicine for the Treatment of Adults with Non-Complex Burn Injuries in Saudi Arabia – A Modified Systematic Review

Abstract

Background / Aim - This modified systematic review explores the use of telemedicine to enhance service provision in burn care. Telemedicine is rapidly evolving as a means to provide access to medical expertise via in-person appointments using telecommunication and information technologies offering health care to individuals despite their geographical location. Despite the benefits there are challenges and limitations to be overcome to improve its success such as technical difficulties, legal uncertainties, restricted financial support, efficiency and quality assurance. This review aims to explore how telemedicine can enhance the care of adults with non-complex burn injuries in Saudi Arabia. Methodology - The PICO framework was selected to develop the research question and key words were used to retrieve primary research from online databases namely CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. 10 research studies met the inclusion criteria and the JBI appraisal tool was employed to extract key data. A process of thematic analysis identified commonly recurring themes. Results - Four themes emerged accessibility of care, cost effectiveness, technical and operational challenges of telemedicine and clinical effectiveness and quality assurance in telemedicine. The research was critically appraised, analysed, evaluated and synthesised to determine the quality of the evidence and generalisability of the findings. Discussion – Despite its challenges telemedicine can successfully improve care provision by reducing unnecessary visits, travel time, optimises resources that may overwhelm stretched system capacities. The cost benefits to the patient are positive but significant to the organisation. However, access and connections, IT infrastructure, software, proficiency in using the technology and quality assurance is essential. Conclusion - Telemedicine has the potential to improve service provision for patients with non-complex burn injuries from distance. Developing innovative pathways for enhancing patient care and recovery in burn care through implementation of telemedicine has the opportunity to improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.