Published on in Vol 20, No 2 (2018): February

Preprints (earlier versions) of this paper are available at https://preprints.jmir.org/preprint/8090, first published .
Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review

Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review

Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review

Review

1School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia

2School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia

3Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia

4Faculty of Health Sciences, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia

5Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

6School of Medicine and Public Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle, Australia

Corresponding Author:

Annie Banbury, MSc (Public Health), PGDip

School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences

Central Queensland University

Bruce Highway

Rockhampton,

Australia

Phone: 61 749309000

Email: a.banbury@cqu.edu.au


Background: Group therapy and education and support sessions are used within health care across a range of disciplines such as chronic disease self-management and psychotherapy interventions. However, there are barriers that constrain group attendance, such as mobility, time, and distance. Using videoconferencing may overcome known barriers and improve the accessibility of group-based interventions.

Objective: The aim of this study was to review the literature to determine the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and implementation of health professional–led group videoconferencing to provide education or social support or both, into the home setting.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched using predefined search terms for primary interventions for patient education and/or social support. The quality of studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. We developed an analysis framework using hierarchical terms feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and implementation, which were informed by subheadings.

Results: Of the 1634 records identified, 17 were included in this review. Home-based groups by videoconferencing are feasible even for those with limited digital literacy. Overall acceptability was high with access from the home highly valued and little concern of privacy issues. Some participants reported preferring face-to-face groups. Good information technology (IT) support and training is required for facilitators and participants. Communication can be adapted for the Web environment and would be enhanced by clear communication strategies and protocols. A range of improved outcomes were reported but because of the heterogeneity of studies, comparison of these across studies was not possible. There was a trend for improvement in mental health outcomes. Benefits highlighted in the qualitative data included engaging with others with similar problems; improved accessibility to groups; and development of health knowledge, insights, and skills. Videoconference groups were able to replicate group processes such as bonding and cohesiveness. Similar outcomes were reported for those comparing face-to-face groups and videoconference groups.

Conclusions: Groups delivered by videoconference are feasible and potentially can improve the accessibility of group interventions. This may be particularly useful for those who live in rural areas, have limited mobility, are socially isolated, or fear meeting new people. Outcomes are similar to in-person groups, but future research on facilitation process in videoconferencing-mediated groups and large-scale studies are required to develop the evidence base.

J Med Internet Res 2018;20(2):e25

doi:10.2196/jmir.8090

Keywords



Group work is commonly used within health care across a range of disciplines such as chronic disease self-management (CDSM) and to provide psychotherapy, education, and group support. Groups are beneficial as they provide opportunities to meet others with similar health issues or in similar circumstances, learn from peers, develop self-awareness, give and receive feedback, and recognize that others share comparable challenges that can lead to more success with self-management [Smith C, McNaughton DA, Meyer S. Client perceptions of group education in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in South Australia. Aust J Prim Health 2016;22(4):360-367. [CrossRef] [Medline]1]. Within the field of psychotherapy, group treatment provides crucial therapeutic elements such as universality, group cohesiveness, and interpersonal learning, all of which promote positive individual outcomes [Yalom I, Leszcz M. The Theory and Practice of Group Therapy. New York: The Perseus Books Group; 2005.2].

However, there are a number of barriers for participants to attending groups. Reasons for nonparticipation include mobility-reducing physical health issues, time constraints, distance, insufficient funds, lack of respite care if caring for someone else, and transportation [Galinsky MJ, Schopler JH, Abell MD. Connecting group members through telephone and computer groups. Health Soc Work 1997 Aug;22(3):181-188. [Medline]3]. From an organizational perspective, groups enable scarce resources to be used effectively. For instance, diabetes education often uses group settings to reduce the pressure on health staff resources given the increasing numbers of people diagnosed with diabetes [Steinsbekk A, Rygg L, Lisulo M, Rise MB, Fretheim A. Group based diabetes self-management education compared to routine treatment for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A systematic review with meta-analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2012;12:213 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]4]. Using home-based videoconferencing may be one opportunity to reduce these known barriers and improve the accessibility of group-based interventions.

Web-based groups, commonly called online groups, are used for health professional and peer-led health education and social support [Eysenbach G, Powell J, Englesakis M, Rizo C, Stern A. Health related virtual communities and electronic support groups: systematic review of the effects of online peer to peer interactions. Br Med J 2004 May 15;328(7449):1166 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]5-Chung JE. Social networking in online support groups for health: how online social networking benefits patients. J Health Commun 2014;19(6):639-659. [CrossRef] [Medline]7] and in behavior change interventions [Maher CA, Lewis LK, Ferrar K, Marshall S, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Vandelanotte C. Are health behavior change interventions that use online social networks effective? A systematic review. J Med Internet Res 2014;16(2):e40 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]8,van der Zanden R, Kramer J, Gerrits R, Cuijpers P. Effectiveness of an online group course for depression in adolescents and young adults: a randomized trial. J Med Internet Res 2012;14(3):e86 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]9]. Online support groups can be asynchronous or synchronous, providing a range of therapeutic benefits that are similar to face-to-face support groups [Shoebotham A, Coulson NS. Therapeutic affordances of online support group use in women with endometriosis. J Med Internet Res 2016 May 09;18(5):e109 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]10,van Uden-Kraan CF, Drossaert CH, Taal E, Seydel ER, van de Laar MA. Self-reported differences in empowerment between lurkers and posters in online patient support groups. J Med Internet Res 2008 Jun 30;10(2):e18 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]11], and online education and behavior change interventions have reported improvements in health outcomes [van der Zanden R, Kramer J, Gerrits R, Cuijpers P. Effectiveness of an online group course for depression in adolescents and young adults: a randomized trial. J Med Internet Res 2012;14(3):e86 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]9,Heinicke BE, Paxton SJ, McLean SA, Wertheim EH. Internet-delivered targeted group intervention for body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in adolescent girls: a randomized controlled trial. J Abnorm Child Psychol 2007 Jun;35(3):379-391. [CrossRef] [Medline]12]. However, a systematic review on the effectiveness of online health behavior change interventions concluded that although most studies report improvements, effect sizes range widely and were generally small in magnitude [Maher CA, Lewis LK, Ferrar K, Marshall S, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Vandelanotte C. Are health behavior change interventions that use online social networks effective? A systematic review. J Med Internet Res 2014;16(2):e40 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]8].

Most online groups have been text-based, using discussion boards; few have used videoconferencing. Although videoconferencing has been used in a range of medical disciplines, it is still not widely adopted, and the research focus to date has been on using videoconferencing for individual patient consultations [Fatehi F, Armfield NR, Dimitrijevic M, Gray LC. Clinical applications of videoconferencing: a scoping review of the literature for the period 2002-2012. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):377-383. [CrossRef] [Medline]13]. Those studies that have used group videoconferencing have employed differing configurations and technology such as all participants located at either one site or several participating sites (often a community health center) and the facilitator or facilitators located at another site [Jaglal SB, Haroun VA, Salbach NM, Hawker G, Voth J, Lou W, et al. Increasing access to chronic disease self-management programs in rural and remote communities using telehealth. Telemed J E Health 2013 Jun;19(6):467-473 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]14-Morland LA, Greene CJ, Rosen CS, Foy D, Reilly P, Shore J, et al. Telemedicine for anger management therapy in a rural population of combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized noninferiority trial. J Clin Psychiatry 2010 Jul;71(7):855-863. [CrossRef] [Medline]17]. Other formats for group videoconferencing interventions include mixing face-to-face meetings and group videoconferences [Frueh BC, Henderson S, Myrick H. Telehealth service delivery for persons with alcoholism. J Telemed Telecare 2005;11(7):372-375. [CrossRef] [Medline]18], enabling participants to hear each other but not see each other [King VL, Stoller KB, Kidorf M, Kindbom K, Hursh S, Brady T, et al. Assessing the effectiveness of an Internet-based videoconferencing platform for delivering intensified substance abuse counseling. J Subst Abuse Treat 2009 Apr;36(3):331-338. [CrossRef] [Medline]19], and using virtual environments for groups [Johnson C, Feinglos M, Pereira K, Hassell N, Blascovich J, Nicollerat J, et al. Feasibility and preliminary effects of a virtual environment for adults with type 2 diabetes: pilot study. JMIR Res Protoc 2014;3(2):e23 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]20].

There have been concerns regarding the effectiveness of videoconferencing groups, which may have deterred uptake of this technology. A key outcome for using groups in health care is the social support that can be fostered by members. Some have argued that social interaction may be lacking in Internet-based programs [Im E, Chang SJ, Chee W, Chee E. Attitudes of women in midlife to web-based interventions for promoting physical activity. J Telemed Telecare 2012 Oct;18(7):419-422. [CrossRef] [Medline]21], and the convenience of increased access has the potential to reduce engagement within videoconferencing groups. Compared with in-person participation, videoconferencing groups may feel artificial, disconnection with others, and engender privacy concerns [Kozlowski KA, Holmes CM. Experiences in online process groups: a qualitative study. JSGW 2014 Aug 21;39(4):276-300. [CrossRef]22].

Few studies have used videoconferencing to deliver group-based education [Davis RM, Hitch AD, Salaam MM, Herman WH, Zimmer-Galler IE, Mayer-Davis EJ. TeleHealth improves diabetes self-management in an underserved community: diabetes TeleCare. Diabetes Care 2010 Aug;33(8):1712-1717 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]23]. It has been more widely used in psychological interventions. A review containing two studies concluded that conducting group therapy by videoconferencing is as feasible and effective as an in-person group and that technology increased access to services but did not forgo the change mechanisms in group therapy [Marton K, Kanas N. Telehealth modalities for group therapy: comparisons to in-person group therapy. Int J Group Psychother 2015 Dec 14;66(1):145-150. [CrossRef]24]. However, no previous reviews have identified factors affecting implementation and outcomes of group-based education by videoconferencing. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review of the literature to determine the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and implementation of health professional-led group videoconferencing to provide education and/or social support into the home setting.


Literature Search

Publications were collected from January 2000 to March 2016 on videoconferencing group education and/or social support into the home between health professionals and groups of patients or consumers. The following electronic databases were searched: Academic Search, CINAHL with full-text, Health Source Consumer, Health Source Nursing, MEDLINE, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, SocioIndex, PubMed, InfoRMIT, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. Databases included literature that was peer-reviewed and gray literature. Table 1 provides the search terms that were tailored according to the database. Search terms were identified from initial literature scoping and not restricted to the title only.

Table 1. Search terms. The symbol ∗ denotes truncation in the search. MeSH: Medical Subject Headings.
Step in search strategySearch term
1Telemedicine [MeSH] OR telecare OR telemonitoring OR telehomecare OR internet-based care/programs OR virtual OR web-based OR multi-site OR multisite
2Videoconferencing [MeSH term] OR real-time OR synchronous
3Health literacy [MeSH term] OR chronic disease self-management OR self-care [MeSH term] OR patient education as topic [Mesh term] OR health education [MeSH term] OR educat* OR train* OR social support [MeSH term] OR therap* OR life style [MeSH term] OR peer support OR peer educat* OR telerehabilitation [Mesh term]
4Feasibility Studies [Mesh term] OR feasibil* OR Patient Satisfaction [MeSH term] OR accept* OR Program Evaluation [MeSH term] OR effective*
5Adults
6Limits: English Language; abstract; publication date January 2000 to March 2016
71 and 2 and 5 and 6
81 and 2 and 3 and 5 and 6
91 and 2 and 3 and 4 and 5 and 6
Figure 1. Study selection flow diagram.
View this figure

Study Selection

Included studies were interventions that collected primary data directly from participants, which documented the use of group videoconferencing for patient education or social or mental health support into participants’ homes. Intervention studies that were delivered by family practice, local primary care organizations, generalist community health services (including home nursing, counseling, allied health, and health education) and tertiary settings to the community to adults aged 18 years or older were included. Excluded studies were those that provided group education to youth or children, students, health professionals, were part of a virtual reality game, or did not enable participants to see and/or hear others in the group. No restrictions were imposed on the quality of the literature because initial assessment suggested there was a limited number of interventions conducted using group videoconferencing. In particular, studies that have delivered group videoconferencing into the home as opposed to a community health care setting are less common.

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) [Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. Br Med J 2009;339:b2535 [FREE Full text] [Medline]25] flowchart representing the study selection process is shown in Figure 1. Potential eligible studies were identified by author AB scanning all 1634 titles. Authors AB and LP independently conducted an abstract review of the 606 remaining studies followed by a full-text review of 79 studies for final inclusion. Hand reference searching of the 14 remaining studies identified 6 additional studies for full-text review, of which 3 were excluded. Where there was uncertainty about potential eligibility, the third author SN read the paper, enabling a decision to be made. In total, 17 studies were included in the review. Table 2 provides results of database searches.

Table 2. Quality assessment of studies.
Author, yearStrength of evidenceMain features
Adamski, 2009 [Adamski T, Alfaro MW. Virtual psycho-educative support groups for caregivers of persons diagnosed with dementia. Caring 2009 Aug;28(8):44-46. [Medline]31]LowMixed-methods comparison study, method of qualitative data gathering is unclear, analysis unclear, no detail on quantitative data for comparison or intervention group
Austrom, 2015 [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32]LowMixed-methods prospective cohort pilot study, no control group, small numbers (n=4), no details on analysis for qualitative data, integration of data limited
Banbury, 2014 [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33]HighQualitative study using three evaluation methods, satisfactory numbers (n=52), method of analysis reported
Burkow, 2013 [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34]HighQualitative study using interviews, sample selection unclear, analysis clear, intervention well described
Burkow, 2015 [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35]HighMixed-methods prospective cohort study, no control group, small sample size (n=10), qualitative data from interviews, findings well integrated
Damianakis, 2016 [Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36]HighQualitative study using archived recordings of videoconference meetings, content analysis and criteria well reported, three authors independently coding
Ehlers, 2015 [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37]LowMixed-methods randomized controlled study using two comparison groups, recruitment and randomization unclear, small numbers (n=30), qualitative data from interviews, field notes and journal, three researchers independently coding, limited integration
Khatri, 2014 [Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38]HighMixed-methods cohort prospective pilot study, small numbers (n=18), two comparison groups, qualitative data from transcripts of group meetings, two researchers independently coding, data well integrated
Lundberg, 2014 [Lundberg S. The results from a two-year case study of an information and communication technology support system for family caregivers. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2014 Jul;9(4):353-358. [CrossRef] [Medline]39]LowQualitative case study, interviews, field notes, and website data; methods of meetings unclear; analysis unclear
Marziali, 2006a and 2006b [Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40,Marziali E, Damianakis T, Donahue P. Internet-based clinical services: virtual support groups for family caregivers. J Technol Hum Serv 2006;24(2-3):39-54. [CrossRef]41]LowMixed-methods randomized controlled study, randomization unclear, outcome data for <80% of participants, qualitative data from archived video sessions, analysis clear
Marziali, 2009 [Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42]HighQualitative study, archived videoconference recordings and interviews, analysis clear, small size (n=18)
Marziali, 2011 [Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43]HighMixed-methods comparison study; qualitative data archived from videoconference meetings, chat sessions, and interviews; size satisfactory (n=91); two independent coders; good integration of data
Nyström, 2006 and 2008 [Nyström K, Ohrling K. Parental support: mothers' experience of electronic encounters. J Telemed Telecare 2006;12(4):194-197. [CrossRef] [Medline]44,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Electronic encounters: fathers' experiences of parental support. J Telemed Telecare 2008 Mar;14(2):71-74. [CrossRef] [Medline]45]HighQualitative study, diary notes, and interviews; researcher as observer but not considered in findings
Tsaousides, 2014 [Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46]LowMixed-methods cohort nonrandomized prospective study, no control group, small number (n=7), outcome data for >80% of measures, bias sample
Wild, 2015 [Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47]HighQuantitative randomized controlled study, satisfactory numbers (n=117), clear randomization
Table 3. Analysis framework definitions.
Overarching themeDefinition
FeasibilityFeasibility tests the viability of the study to see whether the study can be performed [Fatehi F, Smith AC, Maeder A, Wade V, Gray LC. How to formulate research questions and design studies for telehealth assessment and evaluation. J Telemed Telecare 2016 Oct 16;23(9):759-763. [CrossRef]49]. For this study, it focuses on the installation and testing of equipment [Edirippulige S, Martin-Khan M, Beattie E, Smith AC, Gray LC. A systematic review of telemedicine services for residents in long term care facilities. J Telemed Telecare 2013 Apr;19(3):127-132. [CrossRef] [Medline]52]. It includes factors relating to the videoconferencing system, equipment, and its usability for participants and facilitators. It encompasses understanding what technology factors hindered or helped with connecting groups of people and enabling facilitation and discussion
AcceptabilityAcceptability relates to the extent to which the intervention is suitable, satisfying, or attractive to the participants [Bowen DJ, Kreuter M, Spring B, Cofta-Woerpel L, Linnan L, Weiner D, et al. How we design feasibility studies. Am J Prev Med 2009 May;36(5):452-457 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]53]. Issues influencing acceptability included feelings of intrusiveness and invasion of privacy; whether improved exposure was beneficial, such as connecting with new people in similar circumstances; participants and facilitators ability to adapt their communication for the videoconferencing environment; attendance and dropout rates; and length of intervention
EffectivenessEffectiveness concerns the interventions effect on participants’ health status and/or health outcomes [Glasgow RE, Vogt TM, Boles SM. Evaluating the public health impact of health promotion interventions: the RE-AIM framework. Am J Public Health 1999 Sep;89(9):1322-1327. [Medline]51,Jennett PA, Affleck HL, Hailey D, Ohinmaa A, Anderson C, Thomas R, et al. The socio-economic impact of telehealth: a systematic review. J Telemed Telecare 2003;9(6):311-320. [CrossRef] [Medline]54]. Effectiveness incorporates data on whether the intervention changed something in the person, either an attribute, or their circumstances. It includes whether the intervention enabled a successful group process demonstrating cohesion and universality. In addition, whether participants felt or received empathy toward others and changes to levels of social support, social isolation, or loneliness were extracted
ImplementationImplementation is the extent the intervention can be successfully and reliably delivered to participants as it is intended [Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Glasgow RE, Vogt TM, Boles SM. Evaluating the public health impact of health promotion interventions: the RE-AIM framework. Am J Public Health 1999 Sep;89(9):1322-1327. [Medline]51,Bowen DJ, Kreuter M, Spring B, Cofta-Woerpel L, Linnan L, Weiner D, et al. How we design feasibility studies. Am J Prev Med 2009 May;36(5):452-457 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]53]. In particular, studies that sought to evaluate whether an existing face-to-face intervention could be reliably replicated using group videoconferencing were included. Data were extracted for the online group process only

Quality Assessments of Included Studies

Quality assessment of identified studies was completed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) [Pluye P, Hong QN. Combining the power of stories and the power of numbers: mixed methods research and mixed studies reviews. Annu Rev Public Health 2014;35:29-45. [CrossRef] [Medline]26] as 7 of the 14 included studies had used mixed-methods study designs. The MMAT has met validity and reliability standards [National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools. Hamilton, ON: McMaster University; 2015 Mar 20. Appraising Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Studies included in Mixed Studies Reviews: The MMAT   URL: http://www.nccmt.ca/resources/search/232 [WebCite Cache]27], is suited to a public health context, and has been used in a number of systematic reviews that comprise studies with nonrandomized controlled trial papers [Whitaker R, Hendry M, Booth A, Carter B, Charles J, Craine N, et al. Intervention Now To Eliminate Repeat Unintended Pregnancy in Teenagers (INTERUPT): a systematic review of intervention effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, qualitative and realist synthesis of implementation factors and user engagement. BMJ Open 2014 Apr 10;4(4):e004733 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]28-Dagenais C, Malo M, Robert E, Ouimet M, Berthelette D, Ridde V. Knowledge transfer on complex social interventions in public health: a scoping study. PLoS One 2013;8(12):e80233 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]30]. Quality assessment was conducted independently by AB and LP, with differences of opinions discussed with SN.

Analysis Framework

The outcome terms of feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness were often used in the included studies, but there were no consistent definitions. Telehealth literature was reviewed first to define the concepts of these terms (Table 3). The additional overarching theme of implementation was also included to capture data regarding validity and reliability of delivering face-to-face programs in the videoconferencing context. Subheadings informing the overarching themes were inductively derived from the identified studies. These concepts were then used as the framework for data extraction (Figure 1). The framework utilizes similar concepts identified by Hebert [Hebert M. Telehealth success: evaluation framework development. Stud Health Technol Inform 2001;84(Pt 2):1145-1149. [Medline]48], where system quality, user satisfaction, and individual impact conceptualize the structure-process-outcome of telehealth variables. Our overarching concepts are present in other models that are designed to guide planning and evaluation of telehealth interventions [Fatehi F, Smith AC, Maeder A, Wade V, Gray LC. How to formulate research questions and design studies for telehealth assessment and evaluation. J Telemed Telecare 2016 Oct 16;23(9):759-763. [CrossRef]49-Glasgow RE, Vogt TM, Boles SM. Evaluating the public health impact of health promotion interventions: the RE-AIM framework. Am J Public Health 1999 Sep;89(9):1322-1327. [Medline]51]. However, in our framework, we have narrowed our focus of feasibility to capture data only relating to technology factors and acceptability to comprise only of patient satisfaction subjective data, enabling greater clarity between the two concepts.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Using the analysis framework, data were extracted from the eligible studies into an Excel (Microsoft) spreadsheet. For mixed-methods studies, qualitative and quantitative data were extracted simultaneously. Following data extraction, the studies were split into two groups comprising high- and low-level quality assessments. Content analysis compared subheading level data of the two groups with confirming and contrasting results noted. Using two groups to compare results is intended to provide greater validity for quantitative data and trustworthiness for qualitative data [Pluye P. mixedmethodsappraisaltoolpublic. 2016. Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool Public   URL: http://mixedmethodsappraisaltoolpublic.pbworks.com/w/page/24607821/FrontPage [WebCite Cache]55].

A narrative synthesis of data was undertaken to summarize the findings from individual studies descriptively and focused on aggregative synthesis, bringing together evidence and looking for generalizable lessons [Booth A, Papaioannou D, Sutton A. Systematic approaches to a successful literature review. London: SAGE Publications Ltd; 2012.56]. This narrative synthesis reports descriptive themes on successful and unsuccessful factors for delivering group videoconferences into the home, regardless of the topic or subject of the group work.


Study Selection

We identified 1634 studies from the selected databases (see Table 4).

Figure 2 provides a summary of the study selection method. Two studies were reported in four papers, and in accordance with MMAT guidelines, only one MMAT was completed for each of those studies [Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40,Marziali E, Damianakis T, Donahue P. Internet-based clinical services: virtual support groups for family caregivers. J Technol Hum Serv 2006;24(2-3):39-54. [CrossRef]41,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Parental support: mothers' experience of electronic encounters. J Telemed Telecare 2006;12(4):194-197. [CrossRef] [Medline]44,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Electronic encounters: fathers' experiences of parental support. J Telemed Telecare 2008 Mar;14(2):71-74. [CrossRef] [Medline]45].

Multimedia Appendix 1

Quality assessment of studies reviewed.

PDF File (Adobe PDF File), 51KBMultimedia Appendix 1 provides details of the level of evidence and key factors influencing the decision-making process. There were 9 high-quality studies and 6 of low quality. A common feature of low-quality studies was the use of mixed-methods with small sample sizes and limited detail on the method of integration of quantitative and qualitative data [Adamski T, Alfaro MW. Virtual psycho-educative support groups for caregivers of persons diagnosed with dementia. Caring 2009 Aug;28(8):44-46. [Medline]31,Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37,Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40,Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46].

General Study Characteristics

Table 5 provides a summary of the included studies. There were 17 publications: five were from Canada [Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40-Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43], four from the United States [Adamski T, Alfaro MW. Virtual psycho-educative support groups for caregivers of persons diagnosed with dementia. Caring 2009 Aug;28(8):44-46. [Medline]31,Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37,Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46], two from Sweden [Lundberg S. The results from a two-year case study of an information and communication technology support system for family caregivers. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2014 Jul;9(4):353-358. [CrossRef] [Medline]39,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Parental support: mothers' experience of electronic encounters. J Telemed Telecare 2006;12(4):194-197. [CrossRef] [Medline]44,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Electronic encounters: fathers' experiences of parental support. J Telemed Telecare 2008 Mar;14(2):71-74. [CrossRef] [Medline]45], two from Norway [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35], and one each from Australia [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33] and Germany [Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47]. They included 14 observational studies and three randomized control trials [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37,Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40,Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47]. Sample sizes ranged from 4 to 117. Of the included studies, 9 were mixed, 6 were qualitative, and 1 used quantitative methods.

Table 4. Number of studies retrieved from databases.
DatabaseNumber of studies retrieved
PubMed951
Academic Search, CINAHL with full text, Health Source Consumer, Health Source Nursing, MEDLINE, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, SocioIndex246
InfoRMIT45
ProQuest-narrow and refined terms45
Google Scholar344
Reference searching3
Figure 2. Analysis framework. VC: videoconferencing; IT: information technology.
View this figure
Table 5. General study characteristics of included studies.
Author, year, countryAim of studyType of group; group leadMethodologyFulla or partbLevel of evidence
Adamski, 2009, United States [Adamski T, Alfaro MW. Virtual psycho-educative support groups for caregivers of persons diagnosed with dementia. Caring 2009 Aug;28(8):44-46. [Medline]31]Support to caregivers of persons with dementiaPsychoeducational; UnspecifiedMixedFullLow
Austrom, 2015, United States [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32]Support to caregivers of persons with dementiaPsychoeducational;PsychologistMixedFullLow
Banbury, 2014, Australia [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33]Health literacy and chronic disease educationEducational; Health Promotion SpecialistQualitativeFullHigh
Burkow, 2013, Norway [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34]Pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes educationEducational and exercise; MultidisciplinaryQualitativePartHigh
Burkow, 2015, Norway [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35]Pulmonary rehabilitationEducational and exercise; MultidisciplinaryMixedFullHigh
Damianakis, 2016, Canada [Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36]Support to caregivers of survivors of traumatic brain injuryPsychoeducational; Social workerQualitativePartHigh
Ehlers, 2015, United States [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37]Book club to improve physical activity behaviorsEducational; Health Promotion SpecialistMixedPartLow
Khatri, 2014, Canada [Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38]Cognitive behavioral therapyPsychoeducational; NurseMixedPartHigh
Lundberg, 2014, Sweden [Lundberg S. The results from a two-year case study of an information and communication technology support system for family caregivers. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2014 Jul;9(4):353-358. [CrossRef] [Medline]39]Support for caregivers of persons with dementia or stroke survivorEducational; Nurse and social workerQualitativePartLow
Marziali, 2006a and 2006b, Canada [Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40,Marziali E, Damianakis T, Donahue P. Internet-based clinical services: virtual support groups for family caregivers. J Technol Hum Serv 2006;24(2-3):39-54. [CrossRef]41]Support for caregivers with neurodegenerative diseasePsychoeducational; Social worker and nurseMixedPartLow
Marziali, 2009, Canada [Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42]Healthy lifestyles program for persons with chronic diseaseEducational; Not specifiedQualitativePartHigh
Marziali, 2011, Canada [Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43]Support caregivers of persons with dementiaPsychoeducational; Nurses and social workersMixedPartHigh
Nyström, 2006 and 2008, Sweden [Nyström K, Ohrling K. Parental support: mothers' experience of electronic encounters. J Telemed Telecare 2006;12(4):194-197. [CrossRef] [Medline]44,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Electronic encounters: fathers' experiences of parental support. J Telemed Telecare 2008 Mar;14(2):71-74. [CrossRef] [Medline]45]Support for new parentsFacilitated support; Child Health NurseQualitativeFullHigh
Tsaousides, 2014, United States [Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46]Cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for emotion regulation for persons with traumatic brain injuryPsychoeducational; PsychotherapistMixedFullLow
Wild, 2015, Germany [Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47]Weight loss education for persons following bariatric surgeryPsychoeducational; PsychotherapistQuantitativePartHigh

aIntervention only comprised videoconference groups.

bIntervention comprised other elements such as online education.

Intervention Characteristics

Multimedia Appendix 2

Intervention characteristics of included studies.

PDF File (Adobe PDF File), 41KBMultimedia Appendix 2 provides intervention characteristics of the studies. A total of 467 participants contributed to the 15 studies. Six studies targeted caregivers [Adamski T, Alfaro MW. Virtual psycho-educative support groups for caregivers of persons diagnosed with dementia. Caring 2009 Aug;28(8):44-46. [Medline]31,Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Lundberg S. The results from a two-year case study of an information and communication technology support system for family caregivers. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2014 Jul;9(4):353-358. [CrossRef] [Medline]39,Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40,Marziali E, Damianakis T, Donahue P. Internet-based clinical services: virtual support groups for family caregivers. J Technol Hum Serv 2006;24(2-3):39-54. [CrossRef]41,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43], the most predominant target group within the review. Others targeted people with chronic disease [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33-Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35,Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42], obesity [Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47], traumatic brain injury [Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46], new parents [Nyström K, Ohrling K. Parental support: mothers' experience of electronic encounters. J Telemed Telecare 2006;12(4):194-197. [CrossRef] [Medline]44,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Electronic encounters: fathers' experiences of parental support. J Telemed Telecare 2008 Mar;14(2):71-74. [CrossRef] [Medline]45], and those not reaching public health healthy lifestyle guidelines [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37]. Eight studies reported participants’ age or average age as above 50 years, and of these, 5 participants had an average age of above 65 years, many of whom were inexperienced computer users.

The services provided by group videoconferencing were: psychoeducational [Adamski T, Alfaro MW. Virtual psycho-educative support groups for caregivers of persons diagnosed with dementia. Caring 2009 Aug;28(8):44-46. [Medline]31,Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40,Marziali E, Damianakis T, Donahue P. Internet-based clinical services: virtual support groups for family caregivers. J Technol Hum Serv 2006;24(2-3):39-54. [CrossRef]41,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43,Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46,Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47], where the intervention included a psychological intervention or psychological-based support; therapeutic support group [Nyström K, Ohrling K. Parental support: mothers' experience of electronic encounters. J Telemed Telecare 2006;12(4):194-197. [CrossRef] [Medline]44,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Electronic encounters: fathers' experiences of parental support. J Telemed Telecare 2008 Mar;14(2):71-74. [CrossRef] [Medline]45], where groups of people facing similar issues were brought together—these emphasize emotional support and shared experiences as participants can direct the topic and format of the group discussions, and they may also contain an educational element; and an educational support group [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33-Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35,Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37,Lundberg S. The results from a two-year case study of an information and communication technology support system for family caregivers. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2014 Jul;9(4):353-358. [CrossRef] [Medline]39,Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42] in which the groups received education and took part in facilitated discussion on specific conditions or diseases.

In 7 studies, videoconference group meetings were the only component of the intervention, whereas for the other 10 studies, the videoconference group meetings were one of multiple components. These other components included: access to information on an intervention-specific website (6); text-based discussion forums (5); email link to other participants (4); face-to-face group meetings (4); link for one-to-one health consultations with a health professional (2); link for one-to-one videoconferencing social meeting (1); and an electronic health diary for wireless transmission or manual entry of sensor data (1). In 2 studies, weekly videoconference group exercise sessions took place.

There was a range of health professionals providing group facilitation, including a specialist, psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, nutritionists, nurses, and health promotion specialists.

Outcome measures varied between studies. Data relating to the health status and/or health outcomes were collected using both validated and nonvalidated measures. Validated measures were defined as those for which the authors provided an academic reference and the psychometric properties, such as the Short Form Health Survey-36 [Stewart AL, Hays RD, Ware JE. The MOS short-form general health survey: reliability and validity in a patient population. Med Care 1988 Jul;26(7):724-735. [Medline]57]. Nonvalidated measures were those developed for the specific purposes of the study [Dickens AP, Richards SH, Greaves CJ, Campbell JL. Interventions targeting social isolation in older people: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2011 Aug 15;11:647 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]58]. The heterogeneous nature of the studies and the limited number of quantitative studies meant that a meta-analysis of quantitative data was inappropriate [Deeks J, Higgins J, Altman D. handbook.cochrane. 2009 Mar 20. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions   URL: http://handbook.cochrane.org/part_2_general_methods_for_cochrane_reviews.htm [accessed 2017-03-02] [WebCite Cache]59]. Five studies measured perceived health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35,Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43,Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47], 5 depression [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43,Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47], 3 social support [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37,Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43], 2 caregiver self-efficacy [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43], and 1 study measured caregiver burden [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32]. Other studies explored the following factors: physical activity, general self-worth, physical self-worth, physical activity self-efficacy, physical activity self-regulation, physical activity benefits or barriers [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37], activities of daily living [Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40], neuroticism [Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43], weight and eating behavior [Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47], emotional regulation and problem solving [Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46], health service use [Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43], and technology usability [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35].

All studies included results on feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness, and some reported issues connected with implementation [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33,Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36-Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40-Nyström K, Ohrling K. Parental support: mothers' experience of electronic encounters. J Telemed Telecare 2006;12(4):194-197. [CrossRef] [Medline]44,Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47].

Feasibility

Videoconferencing Systems

Multimedia Appendix 2

Intervention characteristics of included studies.

PDF File (Adobe PDF File), 41KBMultimedia Appendix 2 provides details of the number of participants connected to the groups at one time and

Multimedia Appendix 3

Outcome measures and reported findings of included studies.

PDF File (Adobe PDF File), 58KB
Multimedia Appendix 3
describes key findings of the studies. The majority of studies used desktop computers [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Lundberg S. The results from a two-year case study of an information and communication technology support system for family caregivers. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2014 Jul;9(4):353-358. [CrossRef] [Medline]39,Marziali E, Damianakis T, Donahue P. Internet-based clinical services: virtual support groups for family caregivers. J Technol Hum Serv 2006;24(2-3):39-54. [CrossRef]41-Nyström K, Ohrling K. Electronic encounters: fathers' experiences of parental support. J Telemed Telecare 2008 Mar;14(2):71-74. [CrossRef] [Medline]45], 2 used tablet computers [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33,Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37], and 2 used computers connected to users’ televisions [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35]. Six studies used intervention-specific websites with videoconferencing group links embedded within them [Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40-Nyström K, Ohrling K. Electronic encounters: fathers' experiences of parental support. J Telemed Telecare 2008 Mar;14(2):71-74. [CrossRef] [Medline]45]. Three studies used the same website [Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40,Marziali E, Damianakis T, Donahue P. Internet-based clinical services: virtual support groups for family caregivers. J Technol Hum Serv 2006;24(2-3):39-54. [CrossRef]41,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43], one of which was an updated version [Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42], and 2 studies used the same videoconferencing system [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35].

Devices and additional equipment such as webcams and headsets were generally supplied, although in 2 studies the inclusion criteria specified participants having access to a computer and broadband [Nyström K, Ohrling K. Electronic encounters: fathers' experiences of parental support. J Telemed Telecare 2008 Mar;14(2):71-74. [CrossRef] [Medline]45,Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46]. In another study, they used participants’ computers and Internet access but provided refurbished equipment for those who needed it [Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43]. Reported connection speeds were 200 to 400 kbps [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34] and high-speed broadband [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33].

Usability

Participants were not always experienced in videoconferencing or computer use. Overall, inexperience did not appear to be a major problem as the majority of studies reported that, over time, participants found the technology easy to use [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32-Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35,Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40-Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42,Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46] and found videoconferencing enjoyable [Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Parental support: mothers' experience of electronic encounters. J Telemed Telecare 2006;12(4):194-197. [CrossRef] [Medline]44-Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46]. One study, in which a third of participants had a degree, reported that poor digital literacy may have contributed to low participation rates [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37]; suggesting that education level is not necessarily associated with digital literacy. Other studies noted technology was not a barrier, with participants persisting in overcoming technical difficulties [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43].

Information Technology Problems

Various levels of technical problems were encountered; 8 of the 15 studies reported few difficulties [Adamski T, Alfaro MW. Virtual psycho-educative support groups for caregivers of persons diagnosed with dementia. Caring 2009 Aug;28(8):44-46. [Medline]31,Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34-Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Parental support: mothers' experience of electronic encounters. J Telemed Telecare 2006;12(4):194-197. [CrossRef] [Medline]44-Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46], whereas 7 reported a number of problems [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33,Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37,Lundberg S. The results from a two-year case study of an information and communication technology support system for family caregivers. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2014 Jul;9(4):353-358. [CrossRef] [Medline]39,Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Electronic encounters: fathers' experiences of parental support. J Telemed Telecare 2008 Mar;14(2):71-74. [CrossRef] [Medline]45,Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47], 2 of which required substantial work hours to overcome [Lundberg S. The results from a two-year case study of an information and communication technology support system for family caregivers. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2014 Jul;9(4):353-358. [CrossRef] [Medline]39,Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47]. The most common problem reported was audio difficulties, which included delays, dropouts, and background noise [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33,Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37,Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Parental support: mothers' experience of electronic encounters. J Telemed Telecare 2006;12(4):194-197. [CrossRef] [Medline]44,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Electronic encounters: fathers' experiences of parental support. J Telemed Telecare 2008 Mar;14(2):71-74. [CrossRef] [Medline]45], followed by problems in downloading software [Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43].

Visual problems were reported less frequently but included poor lighting in participants’ homes [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33] and too small a picture to clearly see body language [Nyström K, Ohrling K. Parental support: mothers' experience of electronic encounters. J Telemed Telecare 2006;12(4):194-197. [CrossRef] [Medline]44,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Electronic encounters: fathers' experiences of parental support. J Telemed Telecare 2008 Mar;14(2):71-74. [CrossRef] [Medline]45]. External factors such as location, type of dwelling, and speed of connection also effected videoconferencing quality [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33]. However, 3 studies reported that technical difficulties declined during the course of the intervention [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33,Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46].

Training and Support

Training was provided to participants either face-to-face [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35,Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43], with verbal and written instructions [Marziali E, Damianakis T, Donahue P. Internet-based clinical services: virtual support groups for family caregivers. J Technol Hum Serv 2006;24(2-3):39-54. [CrossRef]41,Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46], or an emailed tutorial [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37].

Most studies received information technology (IT) support during the videoconference group meetings either by IT specialists or facilitators that were able to troubleshoot problems. IT support was offered using a range of mechanisms including remotely accessing participants’ devices [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33], talking participants through problems by telephone or online [Adamski T, Alfaro MW. Virtual psycho-educative support groups for caregivers of persons diagnosed with dementia. Caring 2009 Aug;28(8):44-46. [Medline]31-Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Lundberg S. The results from a two-year case study of an information and communication technology support system for family caregivers. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2014 Jul;9(4):353-358. [CrossRef] [Medline]39,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Parental support: mothers' experience of electronic encounters. J Telemed Telecare 2006;12(4):194-197. [CrossRef] [Medline]44], information manuals [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35,Marziali E, Damianakis T, Donahue P. Internet-based clinical services: virtual support groups for family caregivers. J Technol Hum Serv 2006;24(2-3):39-54. [CrossRef]41,Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42], home visits (either at the start of the program during installation [Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43] or during the program [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32-Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34]), and emailed tutorial [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37]. For those studies that incurred several problems, participants felt frustrated and in one study needed reassuring that they were not at fault for the technical glitches [Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38]. Good technical support was considered an important element for an intervention, which could ease participants’ anxiety [Adamski T, Alfaro MW. Virtual psycho-educative support groups for caregivers of persons diagnosed with dementia. Caring 2009 Aug;28(8):44-46. [Medline]31].

Brief training for group facilitators was reported in 2 studies [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35]. Technical difficulties were frustrating for facilitators [Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Lundberg S. The results from a two-year case study of an information and communication technology support system for family caregivers. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2014 Jul;9(4):353-358. [CrossRef] [Medline]39], and one study reported a challenging online environment where the facilitator could only see one participant in the active window and was unable to see other members facial expressions or body language [Marziali E, Damianakis T, Donahue P. Internet-based clinical services: virtual support groups for family caregivers. J Technol Hum Serv 2006;24(2-3):39-54. [CrossRef]41].

There were no consistent differences in feasibility reported between studies of high quality and those of low quality.

Acceptability

Patient Satisfaction

Overall, patient satisfaction with group videoconferencing was high. All but one study [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37] reported that participants had found meeting in a videoconference group either satisfactory or a positive or very positive experience. Factors that contributed to this included being able to see and hear other group members, meeting new people in similar circumstances, sharing experiences, and being part of a group that provided social support. A few participants would have preferred to have met face-to-face rather than by videoconferencing, with one group citing, as their reasons for this preference, low social presence [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37].

Adherence and Frequency

Overall, attendance at the videoconferencing groups was high, with few dropouts. Attendance rates ranged from 66% to 93.8%, with 6 studies reporting groups with rates of >80% [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35,Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46,Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47]. Reasons for participants dropping out or nonattendance included technical problems, not liking to talk about their health, too busy, and illness. Three studies asked participants to complete homework, which included watching educational videos before the next session, completing health diaries, and practicing new skills [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35,Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46]. Adherence rates were very good, with homework completed 93% of the time [Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46] and all participants viewing educational videos and completing health diaries [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35].

The duration of group videoconferencing meetings ranged from 45 min to 105 min, typically lasting for 1 hour. The majority of videoconferencing groups met weekly. In some studies, participants wanted to meet for longer [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35,Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46], more frequently [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35], or expressed disappointment when the videoconferencing group finished [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33]. In 2 studies, individual sessions were provided for discussion on personal issues that would not suitable for the group setting; however, the need to ask questions varied depending upon disease stability [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35].

Videoconferencing groups were compared with other interventions including face-to-face [Adamski T, Alfaro MW. Virtual psycho-educative support groups for caregivers of persons diagnosed with dementia. Caring 2009 Aug;28(8):44-46. [Medline]31,Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37,Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38], text-based chat forum [Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43], and usual/standard care [Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47]. Two studies reported similar or higher levels of participation compared with the alternative intervention [Adamski T, Alfaro MW. Virtual psycho-educative support groups for caregivers of persons diagnosed with dementia. Caring 2009 Aug;28(8):44-46. [Medline]31,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43]. One study found that attendance rates and participation by the videoconferencing group were lower compared with the face-to-face group [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37] and that while on the videoconference, some participants were talking and doing other things such as making dinner and watching TV. Three studies provided 10 to 12 weeks of health professional facilitation, after which groups met on a self-help basis where a group member assumed the facilitation role [Marziali E, Damianakis T, Donahue P. Internet-based clinical services: virtual support groups for family caregivers. J Technol Hum Serv 2006;24(2-3):39-54. [CrossRef]41-Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43]. For the self-help groups, one study reported attendance rates dropping from 70% when the groups were health professionally led to 50% for member-led groups [Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43]. Another group expressed the wish to continue as a self-help group but felt that without a leader this would be difficult [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32].

Privacy and Exposure

Issues of privacy and seeing into each other’s homes were not reported as a problem in any studies. In one study, there needed to be prior agreement for someone else to be present in the room while the videoconferencing group was taking place, and the guest was required to be visible [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35]. In addition, to closely guard privacy, the camera cover could be closed when not in use.

Conversely, viewing the participant’s home environment could increase tailored education and support. In a study of dementia caregivers, the facilitator and participants were able to see that a dementia patient was trying to leave the house repeatedly, which prompted the facilitator to provide safety education and information on local dementia safety services [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32]. Another study, which provided support to family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury, had additional family members join the support group intermittently. They were accepted by other participants as part of the group members’ on-going and evolving needs [Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36].

An unexpected challenge was the difficulty in obtaining participants’ consent forms, which were by mail. The researchers speculated that this was related to privacy issues of being able to see into participants’ home environment. The organization had specified on the consent forms that if they suspected any type of elder abuse, they were required to investigate the matter [Adamski T, Alfaro MW. Virtual psycho-educative support groups for caregivers of persons diagnosed with dementia. Caring 2009 Aug;28(8):44-46. [Medline]31].

There were no clear differences in the reported outcomes for acceptability between studies of high and low quality.

Communication Adaption

Over time, the vast majority of participants became familiar with the technology and adapted their communication accordingly [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33,Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42,Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46]. Overall, only a few participants felt uncomfortable using videoconferencing to communicate with others. Difficulties arose when several people talked at the same time and then stopped on hearing others and then after a pause started talking at the same time again [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34]. It was acknowledged that structure and protocols are needed to optimize group communication [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35]. Clear communication guidelines and protocols contributed to avoiding talking over each other. In 2 studies, this was reiterated at each session as well as highlighting the importance of confidentiality, active listening, and speaking slowly and clearly [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33,Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47].

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of interventions was considered in terms of changes in health outcomes, including improved health knowledge, insight, and skills; social connectedness and whether face-to-face group processes were replicated; engagement between participants; and increased access to a health professional.

Changes in Health Outcomes

Skills for development included cognitive behavioral therapy strategies [Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38], insight and coping strategies [Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43], ability to navigate the health care system [Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36], emotional regulation [Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46], disease-specific knowledge and skills [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35], and health literacy [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33].

The heterogeneity of the studies led to a wide range of assessment tools to report health status and health outcomes. For comparative studies, changes in pre- and postintervention results were similar for face-to-face groups [Adamski T, Alfaro MW. Virtual psycho-educative support groups for caregivers of persons diagnosed with dementia. Caring 2009 Aug;28(8):44-46. [Medline]31,Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38] and usual care [Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47] but significantly better than a text-based forum [Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43].

In pre-post treatment scores, there was a significant change in HRQoL (P=.04) [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35] but no significant differences in emotional regulation, problem solving [Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46], or physical activity and associated factors [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37]. Of note is the trend of videoconferencing groups improving aspects of mental health and self-efficacy [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32,Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43,Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47]. One high-quality study of participants with clinically significant depression at baseline reported that videoconferencing groups had significantly better HRQoL (P=.03) and lower depression score (P=.02) compared with the control group of usual care 1 year after surgery [Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47].

Health knowledge, insight, and skills were developed through didactic teaching methods, discussion, sharing experiences, asking and listening to questions, self-reflection, and books (available on an e-reader). Information that was available on websites was accessed at the beginning of the intervention but much less so as the intervention continued [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37,Lundberg S. The results from a two-year case study of an information and communication technology support system for family caregivers. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2014 Jul;9(4):353-358. [CrossRef] [Medline]39].

Social Connectedness and Support

Engaging with others who were experiencing similar problems was highly valued and enabled empathic connections to develop. High-quality studies consistently reported positive outcomes of engagement. Videoconferencing groups helped reduced feelings of anxiety, isolation, and loneliness [Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Lundberg S. The results from a two-year case study of an information and communication technology support system for family caregivers. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2014 Jul;9(4):353-358. [CrossRef] [Medline]39,Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Parental support: mothers' experience of electronic encounters. J Telemed Telecare 2006;12(4):194-197. [CrossRef] [Medline]44] and provided emotional and social support [Austrom MG, Geros KN, Hemmerlein K, McGuire SM, Gao S, Brown SA, et al. Use of a multiparty web based videoconference support group for family caregivers: innovative practice. Dementia (London) 2015 Sep;14(5):682-690 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]32-Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35]; however, some participants took a while before they felt at ease with others, which may have been related to the online environment [Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46]. Two studies combined face-to-face meetings with online meetings [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34,Lundberg S. The results from a two-year case study of an information and communication technology support system for family caregivers. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2014 Jul;9(4):353-358. [CrossRef] [Medline]39]; one study reported that, for those who could not attend the face-to-face meeting, engagement with others during the intervention was not compromised [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34]. Only one study reported that the videoconferencing environment limited participants’ connection with each other [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37]. Videoconferencing groups were considered superior in comparison with a text-based forum, with few people contributing to the forum and threaded discussions going off-topic [Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43].

Group Processes

Bonding and cohesiveness were reported in all high-quality studies and in one low-quality study [Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40,Marziali E, Damianakis T, Donahue P. Internet-based clinical services: virtual support groups for family caregivers. J Technol Hum Serv 2006;24(2-3):39-54. [CrossRef]41]. Higher levels of cohesiveness were demonstrated in groups with more stable memberships compared with groups whose membership altered because of changes in participants’ availability [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33]. Gender differences were noted in a study comprising one group of men and one of women, with the men’s discussions being more problem-focused and the women’s being more emotion-focused [Nyström K, Ohrling K. Parental support: mothers' experience of electronic encounters. J Telemed Telecare 2006;12(4):194-197. [CrossRef] [Medline]44,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Electronic encounters: fathers' experiences of parental support. J Telemed Telecare 2008 Mar;14(2):71-74. [CrossRef] [Medline]45]. Qualitative studies reported discussion themes that illustrated participants’ ability to discuss sensitive and personal issues and to give and receive empathetic support [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33,Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Parental support: mothers' experience of electronic encounters. J Telemed Telecare 2006;12(4):194-197. [CrossRef] [Medline]44,Nyström K, Ohrling K. Electronic encounters: fathers' experiences of parental support. J Telemed Telecare 2008 Mar;14(2):71-74. [CrossRef] [Medline]45].

Accessibility of Groups

Accessing a group from home was considered beneficial in all studies except one, whose participants would have preferred to have met face-to-face [Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37]. The ability to meet from one’s home was viewed positively and helped overcome a number of barriers that, for some participants, would have prohibited their attendance at a face-to-face group. Barriers included illness, transportation difficulties, not being able to leave the person they were caring for, and/or living rurally or in an area where there was no face-to-face alternative. Additionally, some participants reported feeling more relaxed and open by being at home and valued the convenience [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33,Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34,Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42-Tsaousides T, D'Antonio E, Varbanova V, Spielman L. Delivering group treatment via videoconference to individuals with traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2014;24(5):784-803. [CrossRef] [Medline]46].

Implementation

Treatment reliability and validity was assessed in four psychoeducational studies [Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Marziali E, Damianakis T, Donahue P. Internet-based clinical services: virtual support groups for family caregivers. J Technol Hum Serv 2006;24(2-3):39-54. [CrossRef]41,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43]. They aimed to demonstrate that technology-supported groups met the same standards and outcomes as face-to-face groups. The face-to-face group format and process was replicated in videoconferencing groups in 3 studies [Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Marziali E, Damianakis T, Donahue P. Internet-based clinical services: virtual support groups for family caregivers. J Technol Hum Serv 2006;24(2-3):39-54. [CrossRef]41], and treatment protocol was adhered to in videoconferencing format in 2 of the studies [Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43]. Validity was demonstrated through the analysis of discussion themes such as cohesiveness, empathic support, problem solving, or issues in disease-specific caregiver literature and was consistent with the face-to-face groups [Damianakis T, Tough A, Marziali E, Dawson DR. Therapy online: a web-based video support group for family caregivers of survivors with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2016;31(4):E12-E20. [CrossRef] [Medline]36,Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40-Marziali E. E-health program for patients with chronic disease. Telemed J E Health 2009 Mar;15(2):176-181. [CrossRef] [Medline]42]. Results were reported as similar to face-to-face groups [Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43,Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47]. In 2 studies, facilitators reported that implementing the intervention by videoconferencing was initially challenging, but over time, techniques were mastered, and the operation became more automatic [Khatri N, Marziali E, Tchernikov I, Shepherd N. Comparing telehealth-based and clinic-based group cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with depression and anxiety: a pilot study. Clin Interv Aging 2014;9:765-770 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]38,Marziali E, Damianakis T, Donahue P. Internet-based clinical services: virtual support groups for family caregivers. J Technol Hum Serv 2006;24(2-3):39-54. [CrossRef]41]. Difficulty in retrieving online assessments and evaluation forms were reported [Adamski T, Alfaro MW. Virtual psycho-educative support groups for caregivers of persons diagnosed with dementia. Caring 2009 Aug;28(8):44-46. [Medline]31,Ehlers DK, Huberty JL, de Vreede G. Can an evidence-based book club intervention delivered via a tablet computer improve physical activity in middle-aged women? Telemed J E Health 2015 Feb;21(2):125-131. [CrossRef] [Medline]37].

Details on pre-program procedures overall were lacking but included participants being required to be ready up to 15 min before the start of the meeting, which could be used for informal chat time [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33], enabling a socialization opportunity [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Østengen G, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, et al. Internet-enabled pulmonary rehabilitation and diabetes education in group settings at home: a preliminary study of patient acceptability. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013 Mar 05;13:33 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]34]; the importance of punctuality [Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Hain B, Mack I, Schellberg D, et al. A 1-year videoconferencing-based psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: results of a randomized controlled study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2015;11(6):1349-1360. [CrossRef] [Medline]47] and pre-program face-to-face meetings are not necessary [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35].


Principal Findings

We reviewed evidence of feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and implementation of health professional-led group videoconferencing to provide education and/or social support into the home setting. Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Overall, evidence indicated that group videoconferencing into the home was feasible and acceptable, but it was harder to draw firm conclusions on the effectiveness of such interventions.

The routine and widespread use of home-based videoconferencing groups for health support applicability has as yet not been widely researched. Therefore, intervention studies identified to inform this systematic review were mostly pilot in nature and contained small sample sizes and generally were nonrandomized study types. The identified studies were considerably divergent in regards to the interventions, comparison groups, and outcome measures used. A wide range of health outcome measures were employed; however, their usefulness is debatable as sample sizes were commonly small, and therefore, studies may have been underpowered, with the quantitative data providing no new information. Overall, qualitative data provided a deeper understanding of equipment usability, IT support, privacy and exposure issues, group dynamics, and perceived benefits.

Feasibility

Videoconferencing systems were most commonly used with desktop computers, which most studies provided for the participants. Mobile health (mHealth) devices such as tablet computers and mobile phones were infrequently used, despite their ability to provide access to videoconferencing with few technical skills. For those with limited experience in using technology, mHealth and apps can provide simplified access by overcoming difficulties such as downloading software and using a mouse. As ownership of mobile devices and access to the Internet grows, it is feasible that health programs can be developed so that participants can “bring your own devices,” as has been implemented in the education sector [Song Y. “Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)” for seamless science inquiry in a primary school. Comput Educ 2014 May;74:50-60. [CrossRef]60,Jamieson-Proctor R, Redmond P, Zagami J, Albion P, Twining P. Redefining education for the digital age: a snapshot of the state of play in three Queensland schools. In: The ACEC2014 Now IT’s Personal. 2014 Presented at: Australian Computers in Education Conference 2014; September 30 - October 3; Adelaide   URL: http://acec2014.acce.edu.au/sites/2014/files/ACEC2014%20Conference%20Proceedings%20Last.pdf61]. Using consumers own devices would lower program costs; however, further work in understanding issues of interoperability, security, and acceptability is warranted to investigate the use of personal devices for health care.

Good IT support was a vital component in the feasibility of delivering the interventions. The majority of studies reported few technical problems, and for those that did report difficulties, audio lag was the most common issue. IT support was mostly available during the videoconferencing groups by IT personnel or in a few studies by the facilitator, with a range of strategies used, including remote access to devices and verbal instructions. IT support is a key resource consideration for organizations proposing to use group videoconferencing interventions with clients. It is central to successful implementation for both facilitators and clients and should be adequately costed into program budgets.

The review includes studies implemented from 2006 to 2015. During this time, there has been a rapid and dramatic improvement in technology. However, later studies did not report fewer technical difficulties compared with earlier ones, but interestingly, as interventions progressed, IT problems declined. It is unclear whether this was because of participants’ technology skills improving or whether the technical problems were fixed by IT support. Geographical location and the IT systems utilized may account for technical difficulties. There were fewer technical problems reported by studies from the United States, which may pertain to more developed Internet operations and IT systems. Although IT glitches could lead to frustration, it appears that participants were persistent in overcoming difficulties, as the benefits of being part of a group and meeting others outweighed the technical difficulties.

Acceptability

Acceptance of meeting by videoconferencing was high. Overall, participants found the experience of using videoconferencing groups positive, with few participants preferring to have met face-to-face. Some participants expressed they would have liked the programs to be more frequent or last for longer. Adherence to the programs was high, which may indicate publication bias for successful interventions. The majority of the studies targeted interventions for people aged 50 years and older, indicating, contrary to some opinions [Jang-Jaccard J, Nepal S, Celler B, Yan B. WebRTC-based video conferencing service for telehealth. Computing 2014 Sep 25;98(1-2):169-193. [CrossRef]62], technology can be used in the care of older people who may have poorer digital literacy. Inexperience in computer use did not appear to be a barrier for participants, with many studies reporting the technology was easy to use. In some populations, videoconferencing is becoming ubiquitous and a natural means of communicating. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to conclude that, in time, the use of group videoconferencing will become mainstream.

Previously, privacy issues have been cited as a barrier for telehealth implementation [Jang-Jaccard J, Nepal S, Celler B, Yan B. WebRTC-based video conferencing service for telehealth. Computing 2014 Sep 25;98(1-2):169-193. [CrossRef]62,Calvillo J, Román I, Roa LM. How technology is empowering patients? A literature review. Health Expect 2013 May 28;18(5):643-652. [CrossRef] [Medline]63]. In our review, no studies reported participants concern about others seeing into their homes [Essén A. The two facets of electronic care surveillance: an exploration of the views of older people who live with monitoring devices. Soc Sci Med 2008 Jul;67(1):128-136. [CrossRef] [Medline]64,Sanders C, Rogers A, Bowen R, Bower P, Hirani S, Cartwright M, et al. Exploring barriers to participation and adoption of telehealth and telecare within the Whole System Demonstrator trial: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2012;12:220 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]65]. Few studies discussed the impact of interventions taking place in the home and the lack of control practitioners have in this environment. Prior consideration of delivering interventions into shared living spaces is necessary, in particular, the inclusion or exclusion of other residents. The benefits of viewing participants in their environment was highlighted, enabling education to be tailored to participants’ needs. Other studies have reported the importance of health education, taking into account the context of people’s lives [Taylor S, Pinnock H, Epiphaniou E, Pearce G, Parke H, Schwappach A, et al. A rapid synthesis of the evidence on interventions supporting self-management for people with long-term conditions: PRISMS - Practical systematic Review of Self-Management Support for long-term conditions. Health Services and Delivery Research 2014;2(53):1-7 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef]66]. Videoconferencing may provide educators with an additional understanding of contextual issues for clients, which may lead to a more patient-centered health intervention.

Few studies provided details on whether specific communication strategies were adapted to facilitate videoconferencing groups. Social presence is the extent to which a technology used to facilitate a meeting can provide a social or personable feeling to the interaction [Molyneaux H, O'Donnell S, Liu S, Hagerman V, Gibson K, Matthews B. National Research Council Canada. 2007 Mar 20. Good practice guidelines for participatory multi-site videoconferencing   URL: http://nparc.cisti-icist.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/view/object/?id=33a9fd40-4707-440d-8eca-419055f2125a [WebCite Cache]67]. Although videoconferencing allows for a higher social presence than other computer-mediated communications such as discussion boards, it has a lower social presence compared with face-to-face meetings [Short J, Williams E, Christie B. The Social Psychology of Telecommunications. London: Wiley; 1976.68,Sellen A. Remote conversations: the effects of mediating talk with technology. HCI 1995 Dec 1;10(4):401-444. [CrossRef]69]. Clear communication guidelines and strategies appeared to have helped overcome some technical difficulties and aid effectiveness of the interventions [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray LC, Buckley J. Delivering patient education by group videoconferencing into the home: lessons learnt from the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2016 Dec;22(8):483-488. [CrossRef] [Medline]70]. However, descriptions on facilitator skills necessary for the challenging videoconferencing environment were rarely discussed. How facilitators may have changed their communication method and style would further help develop an understanding of best practice for telehealth group videoconferencing interventions. A review of videoconferencing for CDSM noted differences in attitudes between participants and health professionals, with clients more accepting of the technology [Steel K, Cox D, Garry H. Therapeutic videoconferencing interventions for the treatment of long-term conditions. J Telemed Telecare 2011;17(3):109-117. [CrossRef] [Medline]71]. These differences may be because of a more complex intervention environment for facilitators.

There is an indication that groups via videoconferencing may provide a new avenue to either kick-start new self- help groups or sustain existing groups. Although details were scant on the effectiveness or uptake, there were interventions that developed groups that were designed to continue meeting after an agreed amount of time of health professional facilitation [Marziali E, Donahue P. Caring for others: internet video-conferencing group intervention for family caregivers of older adults with neurodegenerative disease. Gerontologist 2006 Jun;46(3):398-403 [FREE Full text] [Medline]40,Marziali E, Garcia LJ. Dementia caregivers' responses to 2 Internet-based intervention programs. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2011 Feb;26(1):36-43. [CrossRef] [Medline]43]. Member-led self-help groups may provide a new model for cost-effective social support groups, given that, after initial set-up, there is no cost to the health service provider.

Effectiveness

Compared with other modes of delivery, videoconferencing groups were significantly better than a text-based forum and similar to face-to-face groups and usual care. Increases in health knowledge and skills were achieved across a range of topics including mental health issues, health system use, and lifestyle behaviors. Home-based videoconferencing groups overcame known barriers for attending face-to-face groups, such as transportation, travel distance, lack of time, inconvenience [Keating A, Lee A, Holland AE. What prevents people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from attending pulmonary rehabilitation? A systematic review. Chron Respir Dis 2011;8(2):89-99. [CrossRef] [Medline]72,Osborne RH, Batterham R, Livingston J. The evaluation of chronic disease self-management support across settings: the international experience of the health education impact questionnaire quality monitoring system. Nurs Clin North Am 2011 Sep;46(3):255-70, v. [CrossRef] [Medline]73], and not being able to leave the care beneficiary. However, it should be noted, as outlined earlier, there are other drawbacks such as consideration of other residents and interruptions that hinder using videoconferencing in the home environment.

A consistent finding was the perception that groups enabled engagement and social support, which was highly rated by participants. Lack of social support, social isolation, and loneliness are known risk factors for ill health and hospitalization [Steptoe A, Shankar A, Demakakos P, Wardle J. Social isolation, loneliness, and all-cause mortality in older men and women. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013 Apr 9;110(15):5797-5801 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]74,Cohen S, Wills TA. Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychol Bull 1985 Sep;98(2):310-357. [Medline]75]. Using new technology to help develop social support networks and overcome social isolation and loneliness in real-time is an emerging area [Banbury A, Parkinson L, Nancarrow S, Dart J, Gray L, Buckley J. Multi-site videoconferencing for home-based education of older people with chronic conditions: the Telehealth Literacy Project. J Telemed Telecare 2014 Oct;20(7):353-359. [CrossRef] [Medline]33]. Videoconferencing groups could be used to develop new and relatively low-cost interventions, particularly with at-risk groups such as those living in rural areas, with limited mobility and older people.

Identifying which groups of people are most likely to benefit from telehealth interventions is an important factor in improving the evidence base for telehealth [Davies A, Newman S. kingsfund. London: The Kings Fund; 2011. Evaluating telecare and telehealth interventions, WSDAN Briefing Paper   URL: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/sites/files/kf/Evaluating-telecare-telehealth-interventions-Feb2011.pdf [accessed 2017-03-01] [WebCite Cache]76]. Telehealth interventions may not be suited for all populations, and it is important to understand which groups would be best targeted, or are most responsive to, the use of group videoconferencing, to ensure that resources are used efficiently. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the studies, it is not possible to draw any firm conclusion as to whether there are specific subgroups that are particularly suited for group videoconferencing.

However, similar to studies with videoconferencing group participants located in health care centers [Morland LA, Greene CJ, Rosen CS, Foy D, Reilly P, Shore J, et al. Telemedicine for anger management therapy in a rural population of combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized noninferiority trial. J Clin Psychiatry 2010 Jul;71(7):855-863. [CrossRef] [Medline]17,Collie K, Kreshka MA, Ferrier S, Parsons R, Graddy K, Avram S, et al. Videoconferencing for delivery of breast cancer support groups to women living in rural communities: a pilot study. Psychooncology 2007 Aug;16(8):778-782. [CrossRef] [Medline]77], there is a clear trend for improving mental health outcomes such as depression, self-efficacy, stress and anxiety, and overcoming a fear of meeting new people. Furthermore, videoconferencing groups can provide sustained mental health outcomes, as demonstrated by Wild [Wild B, Hünnemeyer K, Sauer H, Schellberg D, Müller-Stich BP, Königsrainer A, et al. Sustained effects of a psychoeducational group intervention following bariatric surgery: follow-up of the randomized controlled BaSE study. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2017 Apr 01;13(9):1612-1618. [CrossRef] [Medline]78], with their follow-up study reporting significantly lower depression and higher self-efficacy approximately 2 years following their group videoconferencing intervention. It is possible that being in the home environment is less stressful than meeting people in-person and that meeting by videoconferencing provides a greater feeling of anonymity [Chang JE, Sequeira A, McCord CE, Garney WR. Videoconference Grief Group counseling in rural Texas: outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned. JSGW 2016 Mar 03;41(2):140-160. [CrossRef]79] and security and the ability to leave the group more easily.

Implementation

Studies that implemented existing psychoeducational interventions reported good reliability and validity and were as effective as face-to-face interventions. In addition, many studies reported the ability to replicate group processes such as bonding, cohesiveness, and empathy.

We did not specifically consider cost-effectiveness in this review but of note is the potential savings that videoconferencing groups may provide. In one study, providing rehabilitation to home-based groups decreased costs by 50% compared with face-to-face outpatient rehabilitation [Burkow TM, Vognild LK, Johnsen E, Risberg MJ, Bratvold A, Breivik E, et al. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in home-based online groups: a mixed method pilot study in COPD. BMC Res Notes 2015 Dec 10;8:766 [FREE Full text] [CrossRef] [Medline]35]. Cost-effectiveness has been reported for face-to-face group–based approaches for CDSM programs [Rogers A, Kennedy A, Bower P, Gardner C, Gately C, Lee V, et al. The United Kingdom Expert Patients Programme: results and implications from a national evaluation. Med J Aust 2008 Nov 17;189(10 Suppl):S21-S24. [Medline]80], and there may be even greater cost savings if groups are delivered by videoconferencing. Cost savings to the health provider can be made by educating a number of people simultaneously, more efficient use of clinical time, and it may even reduce the numbers of nonattendance [Chan KC, Chan DB. Targeting zero non-attendance in healthcare clinics. Stud Health Technol Inform 2012;182:52-57. [Medline]81]. For patients, particularly those in rural areas, videoconferencing improves access to health professionals and removes time-consuming and expensive travel costs. As people age, their use of health care services increases, and therefore, an understanding of whether group videoconferencing would be acceptable and cost-effective in providing interventions to older populations who are high users of health services would be valuable. The cost-effectiveness of group videoconferencing compared with usual care may encourage uptake and is suggested as an area for further research.

Limitations

Comparability of study findings was limited by the heterogeneity of the interventions, participants, and assessed outcomes. Sample sizes were small, which was a limitation for those studies reporting quantitative data. However, the number of studies in the field was so limited that all relevant studies to identify commonalties and consistent themes were reviewed. In addition, identifying the limitations of videoconferencing-only interventions was not possible as studies that included other elements such as face-to-face meetings or text-based discussion forums did not report separate findings.

The range of different tools used to measure the same health outcome, such as depression, meant it was not possible to compare the effectiveness of studies. Adoption of consistent tools for telehealth interventions would enable outcomes to be compared and further advance the evidence base. Telehealth is an emerging field, and new tools are likely to be developed specifically for this use. Indeed, the new Whole Systems Demonstrator Users Technology Acceptability Questionnaire measures a range of user beliefs and identifies who are more likely to refuse telehealth [Hirani SP, Rixon L, Beynon M, Cartwright M, Cleanthous S, Selva A, et al. Quantifying beliefs regarding telehealth: development of the Whole Systems Demonstrator Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire. J Telemed Telecare 2017 May;23(4):460-469. [CrossRef] [Medline]82]. This tool was developed since this systematic review and may provide researchers with a consistent tool that is suitable for a range of telehealth programs.

Limiting study eligibility to health intervention videoconferencing groups delivered to the home rather than to another setting may have produced bias. During the search strategy, 25 studies were identified that delivered videoconferencing groups into health care settings. The decision to limit the search to those delivered into the home was to explore the implications for participants and facilitators in delivering home-based groups.

Conclusions

Group videoconferences into the home are feasible but need good IT support. The benefits of being able to take part in a group from home often outweigh the frustration of IT problems. At present, interventions that have used mHealth are limited. However, it is not unreasonable to expect these to increase because of the ubiquitousness of mHealth devices. Similarly, the rapid advancement of technology suggests that technical difficulties will decrease, and there will be more interventions which experience few technical problems.

The acceptability of group videoconferencing was high in different age-related and content-related groups. Exposure into people’s homes was not a concern; in fact, it can help target interventions to be more context specific. Further work is required to identify which subgroups would benefit the most from this type of intervention, as well as understanding how to modify communication for group videoconferencing.

Group videoconferencing is effective in overcoming many barriers for accessing face-to-face groups. Evidence suggests that group processes can be replicated in the online environment. The effectiveness of interventions varied, although there was a trend to improvement for participants with mental health problems. Further research to identify which populations and the learning content most likely to benefit from group videoconferencing should be undertaken.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the CQUniversity Health CRN and the Australian Government’s Collaborative Research Networks Program.

Conflicts of Interest

None declared.

Multimedia Appendix 1

Quality assessment of studies reviewed.

PDF File (Adobe PDF File), 51KB

Multimedia Appendix 2

Intervention characteristics of included studies.

PDF File (Adobe PDF File), 41KB

Multimedia Appendix 3

Outcome measures and reported findings of included studies.

PDF File (Adobe PDF File), 58KB

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CDSM: chronic disease self-management
HRQoL: health related quality of life
IT: information technology
mHealth: mobile health
MMAT: Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool


Edited by G Eysenbach; submitted 24.05.17; peer-reviewed by A Maeder, M Teufel; comments to author 06.07.17; revised version received 10.09.17; accepted 02.11.17; published 02.02.18

Copyright

©Annie Banbury, Susan Nancarrow, Jared Dart, Leonard Gray, Lynne Parkinson. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (http://www.jmir.org), 02.02.2018.

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, is properly cited. The complete bibliographic information, a link to the original publication on http://www.jmir.org/, as well as this copyright and license information must be included.


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