Telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic: Benefits, challenges and future directions

https://doi.org/10.52322/jocmbmh.11.en.02

ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented surge in telemedicine utilization worldwide, overcoming longstanding barriers to virtual care adoption. This rapid implementation enabled continued healthcare delivery while mitigating viral transmission risks. This article reviews the global growth patterns, strengths, limitations and future implications of telemedicine adoption during the pandemic. Usage surged across healthcare systems, with outpatient visits and chronic disease management transitioning faster than emergency or 
during lockdowns, optimizing scarce resources like hospital capacity and personal protective equipment, workforce 
ratings by both patients and providers. However, notable limitations included inequitable access for underserved groups facing technical barriers, inadequate physical examination capabilities compared to in-person visits, data privacy concerns, and lack of supportive policies and regulations in many countries. To sustain telemedicine growth, thoughtful integration within coordinated healthcare models is required rather than implementing it in silos. Comprehensive policies, legal frameworks and strategic investments must promote ethical and equitable telemedicine delivery, particularly for marginalized populations. Lessons from this global experience can inform the evolution of telehealth from an emergency modality to a routine pillar of resilient, value-based healthcare systems if challenges are addressed through systemic changes enabling its inclusive and ethical integration.
Keywords: Telemedicine, COVID-19, Virtual care, Digital health, Healthcare delivery

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