Feasibility, satisfaction, acceptability and safety of telehealth for First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse people: a scoping review

Samantha Fien, Caroline Dowsett, Carol Hunter, Jananee Myooran, Ashlyn Sahay, Kelly Menzel, Magnolia Cardona

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleResearchpeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)
252 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objectives
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of access to telehealth as an alternative model of service during social restrictions and for urban and remote communities alike. This study aimed to elucidate whether First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients also benefited from the resource before or during the pandemic.

Study design
This study was a scoping review.

Methods
A scoping review of MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases from 2000 to 2021 was performed. Paired authors independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts. A narrative synthesis was undertaken after data extraction using a standard template by a team including First Nations and CALD researchers.

Results
Seventeen studies (N = 4,960 participants) mostly qualitative, covering First Nations and CALD patient recipients of telehealth in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, met the inclusion criteria. Telehealth was perceived feasible, satisfactory, and acceptable for the delivery of health screening, education, and care in mental health, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic conditions for remote and linguistically isolated populations. The advantages of convenience, lower cost, and less travel promoted uptake and adherence to the service, but evidence was lacking on the wider availability of technology and engagement of target communities in informing priorities to address inequalities.

Conclusions
Further studies with larger samples and higher level evidence methods involving First Nations and CALD people as co-designers will assist in filling the gap of safety and cultural competency.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)119-126
Number of pages8
JournalPublic Health
Volume207
Early online date28 May 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2022

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