Evolution of Telehealth—Its Impact on Palliative Care and Medication Management

TL;DR

This paper reviews how telehealth has evolved to support palliative care, focusing on its benefits, challenges, and future potential.

Contribution

The paper offers a comprehensive analysis of telehealth's role in palliative care and medication management, proposing future directions for research and implementation.

Findings

Telehealth has the potential to improve access to palliative care services through remote delivery.

Challenges include ensuring equitable access and integrating telepharmacy into clinical workflows.

Future research should focus on policy development and clinical implementation strategies.

Abstract

Palliative care plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses, aiming to alleviate suffering and provide holistic support. With the advent of telehealth, there is a growing interest in leveraging technology to extend the reach and effectiveness of palliative care services. This article provides a comprehensive review of the evolution of telehealth, the current state of telemedicine in palliative care, and the role of telepharmacy and medication management. Herein we highlight the potential benefits, challenges, and future directions of palliative telemedicine. As the field continues to advance, the article proposes key considerations for future research, policy development, and clinical implementation, aiming to maximize the advantages of telehealth in assisting individuals and their families throughout the palliative care journey. The comprehensive analysis presented herein contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of telehealth in palliative care and serves as a guide for shaping its future trajectory.

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