Feasibility, acceptance and factors related to the implementation of telemedicine in rural areas: A scoping review protocol

Abstract

Background Telemedicine is a quickly developing service that offers more people the access to effective and high-quality healthcare. Societies residing in rural places tend to travel long distances to receive health care, usually have limited access to health care and/or postpone getting health care until a health emergency occurs. However, for telemedicine services to be accessible, a number of prerequisites including the availability of cutting-edge technology and equipment in rural areas must be present. Objective This scoping review aims to collect all available data on the viability, acceptability, challenges and facilitators of telemedicine in rural areas. Methods PubMed, Scopus and Medical collection of ProQuest are the databases chosen for an electronic search of the literature. Identification of the title and abstract will be followed by an evaluation of the paper's accuracy and eligibility in a two-fold mode; whereas the identification of papers will be openly and completely described using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) flowchart. Conclusion This scoping review would be among the first to offer a thorough evaluation of issues related to the viability, acceptance and implementation of telemedicine in rural areas. In order to improve the conditions of supply, demand and other circumstances relevant to the implementation of telemedicine, the results would be helpful in providing direction and recommendations for future developments in the usage of telemedicine, particularly in rural areas.

Developing a Social Media-Based Communication System Between Rural Healthcare Providers and Expert Medical Personnel in Bokeo Province, Laos PDR

“…WhatsApp, as a communication tool in healthcare settings, offers several benefits. Its real-time messaging capability facilitates instant, accessible, and convenient dialogue between healthcare providers, enhancing collaboration and enabling timely decision-making, which can be particularly beneficial in emergencies (Anis & Amalia, 2021;Aufa et al, 2023;Ayu & Handayani, 2021). Furthermore, the platform's features, like document and image sharing, can aid in discussing complex medical cases, allowing for immediate feedback and advice from EMP (Bennani & Sekal, 2019;Bhatia et al, 2023;Das et al, 2020).…”

Mental health services utilization by rurality: Evidence from the National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program.

“…However, it must be noted that potential barriers, such as access to technology, broadband, cost, and stigma, may still exist in the context of telemental health. Research to improve our understanding of the acceptability of telemental health for rural residents is underway (Aufa et al, 2023) and will continue to inform efforts to improve rural mental health access.…”

The Influence of Telemedicine Adoption and Facility Accreditation on Patient Satisfaction and Outcomes: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Rural Colombia

“…Moreover, the cleanliness of healthcare facilities in rural areas can be effectively maintained through telehealth. By conducting virtual consultations, patients can receive medical advice, diagnoses, and follow-up care without physically visiting a healthcare facility (Ali & Ghertner, 2023;Aufa et al, 2023). This reduces the need for in-person visits and minimizes the risk of exposure to infectious agents (Curtis et al, 2023;DeGuzman et al, 2022;de la Puente Pacheco & Perez Hernandez, 2023).…”