Telemedicine use in rural areas of the United Kingdom to improve access to healthcare facilities:A review of current evidence  

作　　者：Rama K.Gobburi David B.Olawade Gbolahan Deji Olatunji Emmanuel Kokori Nicholas Aderinto Aanuoluwapo Clement David-Olawade 

机构地区：[1]Department of Allied and Public Health,School of Health,Sport and Bioscience,University of East London,London,United Kingdom [2]Department of Public Health,York St John University,London,United Kingdom [3]Department of Research and Innovation,Medway NHS Foundation Trust,Gillingham ME75NY,United Kingdom [4]Department of Medicine and Surgery,Faculty of Clinical Sciences,University of Ilorin,Nigeria [5]Department of Medicine and Surgery,Ladoke Akintola University of Technology,Ogbomoso,Nigeria [6]Endoscopy Unit,Glenfield Hospital,University Hospitals of Leicester,NHS Trust,Leicester,United Kingdom

出　　处：《Informatics and Health》2025年第1期41-48,共8页信息学与健康(英文)

摘　　要：Background:Rural populations in the UK face healthcare inequities despite the NHS’s aim of providing universal healthcare.These disparities include restricted access,transportation challenges,and healthcare workforce shortages,resulting in delayed care and poorer health outcomes.This research aims to investigate the use of telemedicine in rural areas of the United Kingdom to improve access to healthcare facilities.Methods:The research process combines a systematic literature review with a thematic analysis using open coding.The results were presented through thematic representation from an open-coding method,following an established search strategy,inclusion/exclusion criteria,a two-step screening procedure,and data extraction.The PRISMA framework was used to screen the articles for the research.Results:Findings reveal that telemedicine significantly improves access to healthcare in rural areas by reducing travel barriers,enhancing mental health services,and increasing patient engagement.Studies highlight its expanding use during pandemics,cross-border reach,and beneficial effects on mental health services.Digital literacy programs and targeted resource distribution were identified as critical to maximizing the effectiveness of telemedicine.Measures like digital literacy and equitable resource allocation are called for in response to issues like specialized care delivery and equitable access.Together,these projects present a thorough strategy for using telemedicine’s promise of equal access to healthcare in rural areas.Conclusion:Even though studies show that telemedicine was used more frequently during the epidemic,the review underscores the need for enhanced digital literacy and infrastructure to ensure equitable access.Difficulties,including legal complications,a lack of technological literacy,and communication obstacles,still exist.Initiatives to promote digital literacy,fair resource distribution,and regulatory changes for smooth integration are highlighted in the suggested solutions.Overall,telemedicine

关 键 词：TELEMEDICINE Rural areas United Kingdom Healthcare facilities Digital literacy Healthcare access 

分 类 号：R-05[医药卫生]