Challenges, Barriers, and Facilitators in Telemedicine Implementation in India: A Scoping Review

Challenges, Barriers, and Facilitators in Telemedicine Implementation in India: A Scoping Review

August 21, 2024 | Simran Arora, Ramesh K. Huda, Sakshi Verma, Mukti Khetan, Ramesh K. Sangwan
This scoping review examines the challenges, barriers, and facilitators in implementing telemedicine in India. Telemedicine has transformed healthcare access by breaking geographical barriers and enabling remote consultations. The eSanjeevani platform has been pivotal in India, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its benefits, implementing telemedicine faces various challenges and barriers. This review identifies these challenges, barriers, and facilitators at individual, provider, and system levels. At the individual level, challenges include limited digital literacy, particularly among older adults and those in rural areas, and health literacy issues. Barriers such as limited smartphone access, unreliable internet connectivity, and socio-cultural preferences for in-person consultations were identified. Facilitators include family involvement, training programs, and community outreach. At the provider level, challenges involve a lack of training and concerns about care quality, while barriers include insufficient infrastructure and medico-legal concerns. Facilitators include ongoing training, clear guidelines, and user-friendly telehealth systems. At the system level, challenges include integrating telemedicine into existing infrastructure and ensuring data security. Barriers include inadequate funding and resistance to change, while facilitators include policy support, investment in infrastructure, and collaborative efforts. Telemedicine has the potential to enhance remote healthcare access in India, but its successful implementation requires addressing significant challenges and barriers. Strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy, standardizing protocols, and developing clear regulatory frameworks are essential. Collaborative efforts and tailored approaches that respect local cultures can further facilitate telemedicine adoption. Continuous research and public awareness campaigns are necessary to ensure telemedicine's sustainable and effective use in India. The review highlights the importance of addressing individual, provider, and system-level challenges to achieve successful telemedicine implementation in India.This scoping review examines the challenges, barriers, and facilitators in implementing telemedicine in India. Telemedicine has transformed healthcare access by breaking geographical barriers and enabling remote consultations. The eSanjeevani platform has been pivotal in India, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its benefits, implementing telemedicine faces various challenges and barriers. This review identifies these challenges, barriers, and facilitators at individual, provider, and system levels. At the individual level, challenges include limited digital literacy, particularly among older adults and those in rural areas, and health literacy issues. Barriers such as limited smartphone access, unreliable internet connectivity, and socio-cultural preferences for in-person consultations were identified. Facilitators include family involvement, training programs, and community outreach. At the provider level, challenges involve a lack of training and concerns about care quality, while barriers include insufficient infrastructure and medico-legal concerns. Facilitators include ongoing training, clear guidelines, and user-friendly telehealth systems. At the system level, challenges include integrating telemedicine into existing infrastructure and ensuring data security. Barriers include inadequate funding and resistance to change, while facilitators include policy support, investment in infrastructure, and collaborative efforts. Telemedicine has the potential to enhance remote healthcare access in India, but its successful implementation requires addressing significant challenges and barriers. Strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy, standardizing protocols, and developing clear regulatory frameworks are essential. Collaborative efforts and tailored approaches that respect local cultures can further facilitate telemedicine adoption. Continuous research and public awareness campaigns are necessary to ensure telemedicine's sustainable and effective use in India. The review highlights the importance of addressing individual, provider, and system-level challenges to achieve successful telemedicine implementation in India.
Reach us at info@study.space