TELEMEDICINE IN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PRACTICE ETHICAL CHALLENGES AND ACCESSIBILITY IN REMOTE AREAS
Keywords:
Ethics, Accessibility, Remote Areas, Digital Health Equity, Informed Consent,Abstract
The growing demand for equitable healthcare access in underserved and geographically isolated communities has led to the increasing adoption of telemedicine in primary healthcare systems. Telemedicine, through the integration of digital communication technologies, has demonstrated potential to bridge spatial and logistical gaps in healthcare service delivery. This article critically examines the dual dimensions of telemedicine implementation in remote areas namely ethical concerns and accessibility barriers. From an ethical perspective, issues such as patient data confidentiality, informed consent procedures, professional accountability, and equity in service provision are analyzed in light of existing healthcare regulations and standards. Simultaneously, the article explores infrastructural and socio-economic obstacles that limit the efficacy and reach of telemedicine in resource-limited settings, including inadequate digital infrastructure, low digital literacy, and systemic inequalities. By synthesizing findings from global case studies and peer-reviewed literature, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the structural and ethical complexities surrounding telemedicine in rural primary care settings. Furthermore, it proposes actionable recommendations to improve the ethical governance and practical deployment of telemedicine services. The findings emphasize the importance of a multidimensional approach involving policy reform, community engagement, and technological innovation to ensure telemedicine contributes to sustainable and inclusive healthcare systems.
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