Telemedicine and digital health for chronic conditions in pediatrics: A systematic review

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not reported

• Effect Size: Not quantified - narrative synthesis only

• Primary Outcome: High feasibility and patient satisfaction across telemedicine interventions

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Clinical outcomes improved in some cases, none worse than standard care (specific metrics not provided)

• Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

High feasibility reported but limited by small sample sizes and methodological heterogeneity Relevant to Australian pediatric chronic disease management, particularly given Medicare telehealth items introduced during COVID-19. Would need consideration of TGA regulations for digital health devices and integration with existing pediatric services Children and adolescents with chronic conditions, particularly diabetes, asthma, and obesity

Abstract

BackgroundThe prevalence of chronic diseases in children and adolescents has significantly increased. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telemedicine adoption, leading to improved healthcare access and outcomes. Despite its benefits, telemedicine is still not fully integrated into standard care. Previous reviews have been limited in scope. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent trials on web or app-based telemedicine for chronically ill children and adolescents, identifying interventions and outcomes for future healthcare strategies.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed on November 21, 2023, and updated on January 9, 2025. Results were filtered to include prospective intervention studies involving children and adolescents with chronic conditions and limited to publications from 2017 onwards. A total of 8699 results were retrieved, and 1506 titles were screened for eligibility, resulting in 116 studies included in the review.ResultsThese studies covered 45 different conditions, with the highest numbers for diabetes, asthma, and obesity. Telemedicine interventions varied, including gamification, video meetings, integrated devices, psychological components, symptom tracking, and educational content. Most studies reported high feasibility and patient satisfaction. Clinical outcomes improved in some cases, and none were worse than standard care. The heterogeneity limited direct comparisons and meta-analysis, and small sample sizes in many studies affected the generalizability and statistical significance of the findings.ConclusionsOur study highlights the potential of telemedicine in managing chronic illnesses among children, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies, larger sample sizes, and continued investment in infrastructure and equitable policies to fully realize its benefits in improving accessibility, convenience, cost savings, and overall health outcomes.

References

1. 1.Exner, B., Frielitz-Wagner, I. V., & Frielitz, F. S. (2026). Telemedicine and digital health for chronic conditions in pediatrics: A systematic review. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X251334423