Group-based patient education via videoconference: A scoping review

Abstract

Objectives: To summarize recent evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of videoconference (VC) group-based patient and caregiver education. Methods: Systematic searches of the literature were conducted. Data was extracted on the characteristics of the studies and interventions and on the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the interventions. Results: From 12,570 hits, 65 studies were eligible for inclusion. Their results confirmed previously identified tendencies of high feasibility and acceptability of VC group patient education, and improved health outcomes. However, evidence of effectiveness is limited, and the quality of studies is varied. Several patient and caregiver groups also remain under-researched. Only four studies stated that facilitators were trained in using VC-technology. Conclusion: VC group-based patient and caregiver education is feasible and acceptable and may improve health outcomes for participant patients and caregivers. However future research should increase the number of high-quality randomized controlled trials to establish the effectiveness of VC group-based education for several groups of patients and caregivers. Studies of the training of facilitators is also warranted. Practice implications: The results suggest that interventions should be more accessible. An overview of the recent evidence may also stimulate the development and evaluation of VC group-based patient and caregiver education.