Telenursing Intervention for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients-A Scoping Review [Letter]

Dear editor

The article We have perused a captivating article titled “Telenursing Intervention for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients-A Scoping Review”.¹ The study’s findings have several notable strengths. Namely (1) Sample characteristics represent developing and developed countries, (2) Provide information on the management of TB patient services by nurses through telenursing, (3) Examine the characteristics of respondents TB patients (0–14 years) and adults (18–30 years). Therefore, knowledge of the technology can assist adult patients undergoing Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS).

Nevertheless, this review identified some constraints: (1) Language inconsistency. The translations of the Indonesian language are missing on pages 59 (Search Strategy and Eligibility Criteria) and 64 (Types of Research) in English. (2) Inconsistent and varied usage of telenursing and telehealth.² The article search incorporated the keywords telenursing and telehealth. The article employed words interchangeably. Nevertheless, this contradicts the article’s title, specifically centring around telenursing. The lack of consistent language usage hinders the ability to differentiate the ontology of the two terms despite their distinct meanings. (3) The conclusion failed to address the research objectives. The objective was to ascertain the specific telenursing intervention to monitor treatment adherence levels. Nevertheless, the conclusion outlined the governmental approach to combatting the surge in tuberculosis infections in Indonesia. This review did not specifically include the article search keywords, research aims, and article titles that focus on the country of Indonesia. The implications of this review should offer a comprehensive perspective on developing and developed countries.

To address this issue, it is suggested that language proficiency be enhanced, the terminology used be consistent, and the piece’s content be refined, particularly in the conclusion and objectives sections. We also seek additional reviews of the adherence to TB treatment in adults and children.