A Systematic Review Of The Impact Of Different Telemedicine Policies On Healthcare Access, Quality Of Care, And Patient Outcomes

Abstract

Background: A potential remedy for issues with patient outcomes, healthcare delivery, and access is telemedicine. Nonetheless, there is ongoing discussion and research regarding the effects of different telemedicine policies on these factors. The objective of this systematic review is to examine the body of literature in order to comprehend how various telemedicine policies affect patient outcomes, healthcare access, and care quality. Method: Relatively relevant papers published between 2015 and 2024 were found and evaluated by an extensive search of electronic resources. Research that evaluated how telemedicine regulations affected patient outcomes, access to care, and quality of care were included in the analysis. To find recurring themes and patterns in the chosen research, data extraction and synthesis were carried out. Result: The findings showed that various telemedicine policies, such as regulatory frameworks, licensure criteria, and reimbursement policies, were put into place in various healthcare systems and geographical areas. It was discovered that the impact of these policies on the availability of healthcare varied; while some helped to expand access to care, especially in underprivileged areas, others created obstacles to adoption and use. In addition, the review found correlations between telemedicine policy and measures of the quality of treatment, including clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and best practice adherence. Conclusion:  It has been discovered that policy elements including provider education, reimbursement rates, and technological infrastructure have an impact on how well telemedicine services are delivered. The review also looked at how telemedicine policies affected patient outcomes, such as health outcomes, adherence to treatment, and use of healthcare services.