Addressing Health Disparities Through Telemedicine
Keywords:
Telemedicine, health disparities, digital health equity, remote healthcare access, underserved populations, telehealth utilization, healthcare accessibility,, rural healthcare, health equityAbstract
Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative tool in healthcare, offering a promising approach to addressing health disparities across diverse populations. This article explores how telemedicine can bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly for underserved and marginalized communities. By providing remote consultations, telemedicine eliminates barriers such as geographic isolation, transportation issues, and limited local healthcare resources. This article examines the impact of telemedicine on reducing health disparities, evaluating its effectiveness in improving access to care, and its role in enhancing patient outcomes. Key benefits include increased accessibility to specialist services, continuity of care, and patient engagement. However, challenges such as digital literacy, internet access, and technological infrastructure must be addressed to maximize its potential. The article also discusses policy implications and future directions for research to ensure equitable telemedicine practices that can contribute to more inclusive healthcare systems