Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies
Date Submitted: Aug 4, 2025
Date Accepted: Jun 1, 2026
Impact of Emerging Technologies on Outpatient Care Quality
ABSTRACT
Background:
Digital transformation in healthcare, including telemedicine, wearables, and automation, is reshaping outpatient care delivery. However, evidence on their impact on patient care quality (PCQ) remains limited.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess how emerging digital health technologies influence PCQ dimensions in outpatient clinics, using both systematic literature review (SLR) and expert perspectives.
Methods:
A PRISMA-guided SLR (2017–2022) was conducted across ABI/INFORM, ScienceDirect, Medline, and Google Scholar, identifying 53 relevant studies. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 subject matter experts (SMEs) across public health, health informatics, and outpatient care. Data were thematically analyzed using SERVQUAL dimensions (responsiveness, reliability, empathy, communication, tangibles) and triangulated across methods.
Results:
RPA reduced administrative waiting times (20–40% reduction), telemedicine improved accessibility (noted by 14/19 SMEs), and wearables enhanced remote monitoring but required digital literacy. EMR usability issues negatively impacted patient-physician communication in 7 studies. SERVQUAL mapping revealed greatest improvements in responsiveness and communication, but empathy and patient-centeredness lagged without training.
Conclusions:
Emerging digital health tools improve outpatient PCQ if paired with usability optimization and staff training. Real-world implementation must address digital literacy and clinician workload. Future research should quantify ROI and prioritize patient-centered integration. Clinical Trial: Keywords: digital health, telemedicine, robotic process automation, patient care quality, outpatient care, SERVQUAL.
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