Telehealth and telemedicine in Latin America: a scoping review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/saludcyt20251185Keywords:
Telehealth, Telemedicine, Latin AmericaAbstract
Introduction: telehealth and telemedicine have emerged as crucial tools in healthcare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to analyze the evolution and impact of these practices in Latin America from 2019 to the present. The objective of this review is to evaluate the current state of telehealth and telemedicine in Latin America, identifying benefits, challenges, and areas for improvement.
Methods: a systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA 2020 methodology. Databases such as Scopus, WoS, PubMed, and Google Scholar were consulted, applying a search algorithm that combined relevant terms. Inclusion criteria were established for articles published between 2019 and 2024 in English and Spanish, prioritizing those with open access.
Results: although telemedicine increased during the pandemic, its use declined considerably afterward. Cultural, legislative, and technological gap factors are believed to be the main causes of this decline.
Conclusions: the pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth in Latin America, revealing its potential to improve access and quality of health care. However, challenges related to infrastructure and training of health personnel persist. It is recommended to strengthen public policies and the regulatory framework to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of these services in the future.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Marcela Hechenleitner-Carvallo, Jacqueline Ibarra-Peso, Rayen Zapata-Toloza, Camila Barra-Andalaft (Author)
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