Objective To review published literature on telemedicine in China using qualitative analysis.
Methods Such databases as CBM, VIP, CNKI, and CSSCI were electronically and comprehensively searched for clinical studies related to telemedicine from inception to March 2013. References of the included studies were also retrieved. Two reviewers independently identified the literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies. Then, qualitative analysis was performed in aspects of the application fields, range, and effects of the included studies.
Result Finally, 19 studies were eligible for the analysis, including 16 quasi-randomized controlled trials and 3 observational studies. According to methodological evaluation standards (JBI, 2005), among 16 quasi-randomized controlled trials, 12 were of medium quality and four were of low quality; and 3 observational studies were all of low quality. The results of qualitative analysis showed that, literature on telemedicine had increased by year since 1995. However, the literature on relevant research of telemedicine had been published since 2002. The number of literature increased evenly and sporadically in journals. According to the classification of the application fields of telemedicine, 15 (80%) related to remote monitoring, especially related to remote fetal monitoring, 4 (21%) were remote consultation, and 3 (16%) were remote treatment. The results of 19 studies showed that, telemedicine had better effects than traditional medicine.
Conclusion In China, literature related to telemedicine increases by year but the quality of them are low. High quality studies are further needed. The distribution of the application fields of telemedicine is uneven, most of which focuses on remote monitoring. The quality of research is low and need high-quality research in future. The therapeutic effects of telemedicine are better with accurate monitoring data and convenience to patients..
Citation： LI Xuefei,BAI Zhenggang,YAO Qian,LI Hongmin,YAO Yenan,DING Guowu. Status Quo of Telemedicine in China. Chinese Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine, 2013, 13(10): 1194-1199. doi: 10.7507/1672-2531.20130205 Copy