Using Telehealth to Disseminate Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary CVD Interventions to Rural Populations.

Abstract

This study aims to review the evidence on telehealth interventions in rural communities that use primary, secondary, or tertiary strategies for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies focused on the reduction of CVD risk factors and mitigation of disease progression among rural populations using telehealth are limited in number but appear to be increasing in the last 5years. These studies suggest primary-, secondary-, and tertiary-level interventions can impact CVD risk and management. The current review found more studies addressing primary CVD intervention strategies, although the evidence for efficacy at all intervention levels is in the early stages. Leveraging prevention strategies via telehealth may be an effective vehicle to facilitate improved CVD outcomes among populations traditionally marginalized by geographic location.