Telemedicine in the Care of Older Patients

The use of telemedicine in caring for the older population was somewhat limited until the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential to improve healthcare for older people restricted to their homes during the COVID-19 lockdown using telehealth allowed them to maintain contact with their primary care provider and their healthcare team. Following the pandemic, the advantages and potential of telemedicine became much more evident. Most older people find their telehealth experience positive. It is generally patient-centered, accessible, integrated and coordinated. The experience is more positive where the patient has a good personal relationship with the healthcare provider. Telemedicine utilizes audio and/or video communication as well as other modalities. The use of telemedicine may also reduce emergency department visits and acute hospitalizations, especially in nursing care patients.

In this Research Topic, we welcome the submission of original research, reviews, mini-reviews, case reports, clinical trials, and opinion articles, that explore innovative applications and strategies within the field. Specific themes we are interested in addressing include (but are not limited to):

• The development and application of telemedicine in the care of the older patient

• Methods and modalities of telehealth

• The benefits of telemedicine in the older population

• Attitudes and acceptability of telemedicine by older people

• The use of telemedicine in primary care and in the nursing home

• Future directions in providing telehealth to older people

By sharing your research and insights, we believe we can build a body of work that significantly forwards progress in this vital area of geriatric care.