Use of telemedicine and e-health in disasters: a systematic review

Salehinejad, Simin; Jannati, Nazanin; Ershad Sarabi, Roghayeh; Bahaadinbeigy, Kambiz

doi:10.34172/jept.2020.34

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

¹ Health in Disaster and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

² Health Services Management Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

³ Medical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

⁴ Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

https://doi.org/10.34172/jept.2020.34

Abstract

Objective: Both natural and man-made disasters need near-term and long-term interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality among the affected population. Recently, telemedicine has been effectively used in both man-made and natural disasters and showed its effectiveness in eliminating the adverse consequences of disasters. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the application of telehealth in different phases of disaster. Methods: We systematically searched all English papers regarding the use of telemedicine in different phases of disaster indexed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases until June 2020. A data collection form was designed to extract the required data such as types of systems, telecommunication technologies, and phases of disaster. Results: In this study, 16 out of 4490 retrieved articles were selected as relevant and reviewed by the authors. Findings indicated that the majority of studies highlighted the use of telemedicine in natural disasters (n=12), and only four discussed it in a man-made disaster like war and terrorist attacks. In 6 studies out of 16, telemedicine was used to treat and assess mental disorders among the affected population. And the internet was the most common technology for telemedicine development. Conclusion: Providing health care during a disaster is necessary, and telemedicine is important for such care. This systematic review helps define the components and application of telemedicine in disaster as a new technology in recent days, but we need to consider it and develop this technology in all phases of disaster management, especially during the response phase.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Disaster

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Journal of Emergency Practice and Trauma

Use of telemedicine and e-health in disasters: a systematic review

References

References

Volume 7, Issue 1
January 2021
Pages 56-62

Use of telemedicine and e-health in disasters: a systematic review

References

References

Volume 7, Issue 1January 2021Pages 56-62

Volume 7, Issue 1
January 2021
Pages 56-62