Effectiveness of Telecare Interventions on Depression Symptoms Among Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder among older adults. Telecare has been shown to be effective in addressing patients' psychosocial issues and improving their Quality of Life (QoL), while its efficacy in serving individuals with Late-Life Depression (LLD) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of telecare in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms and improving the quality of life in patients with LLD. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of telecare interventions in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms, and improving QoL in patients with LLD. METHODS Databases including the Cochrane Library, Web of Science (SCI), PubMed, Embase, and EBSCO were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of telecare for LLD from database establishment to December 28, 2022. RESULTS Twelve studies involving 2,255 older participants were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the depression level of the telecare intervention group was significantly reduced (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD = -0.39, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -0.47 to -0.31, P < .001), and the short-term intervention on Mental Component of QoL had a significant effect (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI:0.04 to 0.26, P = 0.04). There is no statistically significant effect on alleviating anxiety symptoms in LLD (SMD= -0.34, 95% CI: -0.54 to -0.14, P= 0.12). CONCLUSIONS Telecare is a promising modality of care for the treatment of patients with LLD, which can alleviate depression and improve the QoL of LLD patients. Continued in-depth research into the effectiveness of telecare in depression could better identify where older patients would benefit from this intervention. CLINICALTRIAL None