Breaking Barriers for Accessible Health Programs

Abstract

The rapidly evolving field of telemedicine is transforming the accessibility and delivery of healthcare. This chapter delves into how telemedicine enhances healthcare access, brings treatment into patients' homes, and addresses care deficits in underdeveloped areas. It covers key facets of telemedicine, including store-and-forward methods, remote patient monitoring, and teleconsultation across various medical conditions. Significantly, telemedicine emerged as a crucial approach to adhere to social distancing norms while providing healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter evaluates the benefits and applications of telemedicine compared to traditional in-person consultations, focusing on cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, and its importance in areas lacking local healthcare providers. Additionally, it examines factors crucial to the successful implementation of telemedicine, such as digital readiness, the digital competency of patients and healthcare professionals, and the regulatory frameworks governing the exchange and use of medical data.