Different applications of telemedicine - assessing the challenges, barriers, and opportunities- a narrative review

Abstract

Telemedicine (TLM) is a technique of telecommunication used to create, promote, or accelerate health services. Because of its societal significance, the current study attempted to demonstrate its essential applications in the health sector and the challenges, obstacles, and opportunities that lie ahead. Various studies and reports were received based on the subject of the current study, first using MeSH terms related to the subject in authentic and available international databases. After that, 30-related articles were selected based on the study criteria, and then the required results were extracted from the selected studies. The study results showed that TLM has a significant role in more than 13 major areas of health and treatment, and in most of these areas, it has made the relevant affairs easier for both patients and medical staff. Although TLM has many advantages, it still has obstacles and challenges requiring further studies to manage this technology better. Given the high importance of the TLM in the health sector in most countries worldwide, efforts are needed to promote this technology and remove the obstacles in front of it. Therefore, further evaluations of TLM efficiency in terms of economics, speed of action, effectiveness, and the provision of infrastructure are necessary to overcome the obstacles highlighted based on the results of these studies and improve the efficiency of using this technology.

5G-enabled smart hospitals: Innovations in patient care and facility management

“…[6] By engaging staff in the learning process and soliciting their feedback and input, healthcare organizations can foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning that encourages staff to embrace new technologies and adapt to changing work environments. [18] Moreover, ongoing support and professional development play a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of 5G in smart hospitals. Healthcare organizations should establish dedicated support teams or help desks to assist staff with troubleshooting technical issues, answering questions, and providing guidance on best practices for using 5G-enabled technologies.…”

“…[1] By engaging with local stakeholders and leveraging community resources, healthcare organizations can create sustainable and impactful solutions that address the healthcare needs of their communities. [18] 2.15. Sustainability and environmental impact 5G-enabled smart hospitals have the potential to significantly contribute to sustainability efforts through energy-efficient operations and reduced resource consumption.…”

“…[17] In Europe, countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and Sweden are exploring the potential of 5G-enabled smart hospital technologies to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. [18] While healthcare infrastructure varies across European countries, initiatives such as the European Commission Digital Health and Care Strategy aim to promote the adoption of digital technologies, including 5G, to support innovation in healthcare and enhance cross-border interoperability of health data. [21] Regulatory frameworks, such as the General Data Protection Regulation, govern using 5G in healthcare to ensure data protection and privacy.…”

The usability of telephone-based telemedicine in primary healthcare: A quantitative evaluation and a hypothesized framework of determinants from the physicians’ perspective in Oman

“…Today, the clinical applications of telemedicine span the whole spectrum of medicine with different degrees of maturity [86,87]. Teleradiology and telepathology are considered the most mature applications in telemedicine.…”

“…Teleradiology and telepathology are considered the most mature applications in telemedicine. However, in the last few decades, other specialties such as telepsychiatry, teledermatology, telecardiology, and teleophthalmology have been recognized as maturing applications, while telesurgery is gently emerging [86,87]. This might be attributed to many factors, such as feasibility, quality, and cost [87].…”