The Role and Position of Telemedicine in Crisis

Background: Telemedicine, as the use of communication and information technologies to provide remote healthcare services, gains special importance in crisis situations. In instances such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and health crises, telemedicine can facilitate access to medical services, reduce the burden on healthcare systems, and improve clinical outcomes Materials & Methods: This study is designed as a systematic review. A literature search was conducted in reputable databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, identifying ۱۵۰ articles related to telemedicine and its application in crisis situations. Ultimately, ۳۵ articles were selected as suitable for this review. Inclusion criteria: Research articles and systematic reviews published between ۲۰۱۰ and ۲۰۲۳. Articles examining the impact of telemedicine in crisis management Result: The study's findings highlight four main benefits of telemedicine: Rapid Access to Medical Services: allows for immediate consultations, reducing patient wait times during crises. Reduction of Burden on Healthcare Systems: decreases the need for in-person visits, helping to prevent overcrowding in healthcare facilities. Safety for Patients and Healthcare Personnel: lowers the risk of infection transmission by minimizing physical contact. Improved Information Management: It enhances the collection and analysis of clinical data, aiding health managers in making better decisions and resource allocation during crises. Conclusion: Telemedicine is an effective crisis management tool that improves healthcare access, reduces system burdens, and ensures safety for patients and healthcare personnel. To maximize its effectiveness, it is important to develop infrastructure, train personnel, and increase public awareness.

Keywords:

Telemedicine , crisis , healthcare services , access to treatment