Date of Award
4-24-2025
Document Type
Independent Study
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Department
Nursing
Program Affiliation
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
First Advisor
Dr. Jody Goard
Abstract
Managing Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in underserved rural areas presents ongoing challenges due to limited healthcare access and provider shortages. Telehealth interventions, such as remote monitoring, mobile health applications, and virtual consultations, have emerged as promising strategies to enhance care delivery. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of telehealth in improving glycemic control and patient satisfaction among adults with T2D in rural settings. Recent studies, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews published between 2019 and 2025, were analyzed. Overall, telehealth was associated with reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), improved medication adherence, and increased patient engagement. High levels of patient satisfaction were commonly reported, often linked to convenience, accessibility, and personalized support. However, not all findings were positive; effectiveness varied depending on patient demographics, intervention design, and digital infrastructure. Barriers such as limited broadband access, digital literacy gaps, and inconsistent provider engagement often diminished outcomes. For nurse practitioners (NPs), particularly those practicing in rural and underserved settings, telehealth offers a scalable and clinically relevant tool to extend chronic disease management and improve continuity of care. NPs are uniquely positioned to lead telehealth implementation through patient education, digital coaching, and interdisciplinary coordination. These findings support integrating telehealth into rural primary care models and underscore the need for continued research on intervention design and equitable access. Thoughtful implementation of telehealth may help reduce health disparities and enhance diabetes care outcomes across vulnerable populations.
Recommended Citation
Lemke, Taylor, "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Telehealth Interventions in Managing Type 2 Diabetes Among Adults in Underserved Rural Areas" (2025). Nursing Capstones. 387.
https://commons.und.edu/nurs-capstones/387