Cost-Effectiveness of Telehealth for Chronic Cardiovascular Conditions and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the United States

INTRODUCTION: The United States has seen a dramatic increase in the incidence of chronic disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic cardiovascular diseases. Telehealth interventions can potentially improve healthcare access and health outcomes in the United States while saving time and economic resources. Conclusive research is needed to show whether telehealth interventions are cost-effective for people living with chronic disease. AIM: This paper synthesizes the existing literature on the cost-effectiveness of telehealth interventions for patients with chronic cardiovascular conditions (congestive heart failure (CHF), myocardial infarctions, and coronary heart disease) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: A literature search was undertaken to identify studies that assessed the cost-effectiveness of telehealth interventions for chronic cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using PubMed and Scopus. RESULTS: A thorough literature search using PubMed and Scopus identified 753 articles that fit the search criteria. Of these, 27 articles met inclusion criteria, including 9 literature reviews and 1 meta-analysis. Over 80% of the relevant research was conducted in Europe, Taiwan, and Australia. The combination of a lack of cost-effectiveness research conducted in the United States, methodological challenges in the existing studies, and continued technological advancements, make it clear that further research is needed to make reliable inferences and conclusions.