Evaluating the Efficacy of Telemedicine in Chronic Disease Management: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of
telemedicine, offering a platform for managing chronic diseases remotely.
This study evaluates the efficacy of telemedicine in improving clinical
outcomes, patient satisfaction, and healthcare access for individuals with
chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted across three healthcare
centers involving 500 patients with chronic diseases. Participants were
divided into telemedicine and in-person care groups and followed for 12
months. Key metrics included disease control (e.g., HbA1c for diabetes, blood
pressure for hypertension), hospitalization rates, and patient-reported
satisfaction.
Results: Patients in the telemedicine group showed significant improvement
in disease management (mean HbA1c reduction of 1.2%, p < 0.01; blood
pressure reduction of 12/8 mmHg, p < 0.01). Hospitalization rates were
lower in the telemedicine group (7.4% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.02), and patient
satisfaction scores were higher (mean score: 4.5/5 vs. 3.9/5, p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Telemedicine is an effective modality for chronic disease
management, offering comparable or superior outcomes to traditional care
in selected cases. Its integration into healthcare systems should be
prioritized to improve access, outcomes, and patient satisfaction.