Control Tower in the hospital: a structure–process–outcome systemic review of telemedicine systems for interprofessional collaboration

Effect of telemedicine-based interventions have been designed to enhance in-hospital interprofessional collaboration. But their effect on healthcare processes and patient outcomes remain variable. We conducted a systematic review to explore the impact of telemedicine facilitated interprofessional collaboration. We searched six databases and clinical trial registries through April 2, 2025. Twenty-nine studies were included, representing 179,612 patients. Most studies reported improved care processes (e.g., timeliness, treatment appropriateness, diagnostic accuracy). Effects on outcomes like mortality and readmission were mixed. Meta-analysis of randomized trials showed reduced hospital length of stay (mean difference -1.03 days, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.48 to -0.59) but increased readmissions (risk ratio 1.18, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.32). These findings suggested that in-hospital telemedicine functions as structural changes that can support improved care processes and, in some cases, better outcomes. Their effectiveness varies based on patients' conditions, application settings, interprofessional collaboration model and workflows.