The role of telehealth during COVID-19
outbreak: a systematic review based on
current evidence
Elham Monaghesh1 and Alireza Hajizadeh2*
Abstract
Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a public health emergency of international
concern. Telehealth is an effective option to fight the outbreak of COVID-19. The aim of this systematic review was
to identify the role of telehealth services in preventing, diagnosing, treating, and controlling diseases during COVID19 outbreak.
Methods: This systematic review was conducted through searching five databases including PubMed, Scopus,
Embase, Web of Science, and Science Direct. Inclusion criteria included studies clearly defining any use of telehealth
services in all aspects of health care during COVID-19 outbreak, published from December 31, 2019, written in
English language and published in peer reviewed journals. Two reviewers independently assessed search results,
extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies. Quality assessment was based on the Critical
Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist. Narrative synthesis was undertaken to summarize and report the findings.
Results: Eight studies met the inclusion out of the 142 search results. Currently, healthcare providers and patients
who are self-isolating, telehealth is certainly appropriate in minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This
solution has the potential to prevent any sort of direct physical contact, provide continuous care to the community,
and finally reduce morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 outbreak.
Conclusions: The use of telehealth improves the provision of health services. Therefore, telehealth should be an
important tool in caring services while keeping patients and health providers safe during COVID-19 outbreak.
Keywords: Telehealth, Telemedicine, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Outbreaks
