Effectiveness of telemedicine interventions for the management of tuberculosis in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol

Publication Date

2026

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

JBI Evidence Synthesis

Abstract

Objective: 

This systematic review will aim to evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions compared with traditional or in-person care in improving medication adherence and clinical outcomes among adult patients with tuberculosis in low- and middle-income countries.

Introduction: 

Tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where health care access is limited and treatment adherence is suboptimal. Telemedicine interventions, including video-observed therapy, text message reminders, and mobile health applications, offer innovative solutions to enhance tuberculosis management. However, evidence on their effectiveness remains fragmented, especially in low-resource settings, necessitating a comprehensive review to inform policy and practice.

Eligibility criteria: 

This review will include randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries involving adult patients with tuberculosis. Eligible studies will evaluate telemedicine interventions with a minimum duration of 30 days and report on at least 1 primary outcome (medication adherence or tuberculosis clinical outcomes) or secondary outcome (acceptability or patient satisfaction).

Methods: 

The review will adhere to the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness. A 3-step search strategy will be followed to identify published and unpublished studies and gray literature. Databases to be searched will include PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase (Ovid), Global Health (Ovid), and ScienceDirect. There will be no date or language restrictions. Two reviewers will independently screen and select studies, critically appraise studies, and extract data. If feasible, a meta-analysis will be conducted; otherwise, the synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) approach to data synthesis will be used. The GRADE approach will assess evidence certainty, and the findings will be summarized accordingly.

First Page

166

Last Page

175

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