The role of telehealth in improving health outcomes for older adults in Pakistan: a narrative review

Background: Pakistan’s older adult population is rapidly increasing, with many experiencing mobility limitations and multiple chronic conditions that restrict access to healthcare. Approximately 8.9% of Pakistanis are aged 60 years and above, with rural populations facing greater healthcare barriers. Internet coverage in Pakistan is estimated at 78%, indicating a growing potential for telehealth services. This narrative review evaluates evidence on telehealth interventions for older adults in Pakistan, focusing on healthcare accessibility, patient satisfaction, chronic disease management, reduction of travel burden, and caregiver involvement.

Materials and Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, the world Health Organization (WHO) publications, and local Pakistani journals were searched (2012-2023). Studies evaluating telehealth interventions for senior citizens were included. Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) were specifically considered to contextualize findings. Data on population demographics, disease type, intervention type, outcomes, barriers, facilitators, caregiver involvement, and socioeconomic status were extracted and thematically analyzed.

Results: telehealth improved patient satisfaction, reduced travel requirements, supported chronic disease management, and enhanced system efficiency. Barriers included limited digital literacy, infrastructure gaps, cost, cultural resistance, and privacy concerns. Facilitators included smartphone penetration, government initiatives, and public-private partnerships.

Conclusions: telehealth is a viable solution to healthcare gaps for older adults in Pakistan. Implementation requires investment in digital literacy, technology access, supportive policies, and training caregivers in telehealth use.