Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a rapid global shift toward telehealth, presenting both opportunities and challenges for chronic disease management. This study synthesizes lessons learned from the pandemic to inform sustainable integration of telehealth into routine care for chronic conditions.Methods: A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted, analyzing peer-reviewed literature from 2020 to 2023, supplemented by a cross-sectional survey of 450 healthcare providers and 600 patients with chronic diseases across five health systems. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate regression; qualitative data were thematically analyzed.Results: Telehealth adoption increased by over 300% during the pandemic, with high satisfaction rates (82% of patients, 74% of providers). However, disparities emerged: older adults and those in rural areas reported lower access (Ng & Park, 2021). Key success factors included streamlined workflows, patient education, and reimbursement parity. Barriers included technological literacy and lack of integration with existing electronic health records. Regression analysis showed that provider training (β=0.42, pConclusions: Telehealth is a viable modality for chronic disease management, but equitable implementation requires addressing digital divides, investing in training, and developing hybrid care models. Policy makers should prioritize sustainable funding and interoperability standards to ensure long-term success.