Effects of Telemedicine Support Models on Reducing the Burden of Family Caregivers for Disabled Elderly Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Family caregiving for disabled elderly individuals represents a widespread public health challenge, with caregivers often bearing significant physical, mental, and socioeconomic burdens. Telemedicine-based support models hold promise for alleviating this burden by enhancing access to education, skills training, and psychological support; however, their effectiveness remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to systematically evaluate the impacts of telemedicine support models on the burden, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QOL) of family caregivers for disabled elderly individuals and to explore potential effect modifiers. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in 10 electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang) from inception to November 22, 2025. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adult family caregivers receiving telemedicine-based interventions (e.g., telephone, video conferencing, mobile applications) compared with usual care. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB 2) tool. Continuous outcomes were pooled using Hedges' g standardized mean difference (SMD) with a random-effects model, and 95% prediction intervals (PIs) were calculated. RESULTS A total of 29 RCTs (N=3421 caregivers) were included. Meta-analysis indicated that telemedicine significantly reduced caregiver burden (SMD -0.59, 95% CI -0.85 to -0.33; P