Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented acceleration in telehealth adoption worldwide, reshaping healthcare delivery models and highlighting the potential of digital health technologies. As healthcare systems transition to the post-pandemic era, the role of telehealth continues to evolve, presenting both significant opportunities and complex challenges. This examines the expansion of telehealth in post-COVID healthcare systems, focusing on its benefits, limitations, and policy implications. Telehealth offers transformative opportunities to improve healthcare access, particularly for rural and underserved populations, by reducing geographical barriers and enabling timely consultations. It enhances chronic disease management through remote monitoring and supports cost-efficiency by lowering overhead costs and reducing unnecessary hospital visits. Additionally, the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), wearable health devices, and electronic health records (EHRs) further strengthens telehealth?s potential for comprehensive and personalized care. However, telehealth expansion is not without challenges. The digital divide remains a major concern, with disparities in internet access and digital literacy limiting equitable access to virtual care. Regulatory complexities, including cross-border licensing and inconsistent telehealth policies, create legal uncertainties for providers. Data privacy and cybersecurity risks are heightened with the increasing reliance on digital platforms, raising concerns about patient confidentiality and compliance with health data regulations. Furthermore, inconsistent reimbursement models and the inherent limitations of remote consultations for certain medical conditions pose barriers to long-term adoption. This underscores the need for sustained investments in digital infrastructure, clear regulatory frameworks, equitable reimbursement mechanisms, and targeted capacity-building initiatives for healthcare workers. It advocates for integrated, patient-centered telehealth strategies that align technological innovations with health equity and quality care. Ultimately, achieving the full potential of telehealth in post-pandemic healthcare systems requires collaborative efforts across healthcare providers, technology developers, policymakers, and communities to create inclusive, secure, and resilient digital health ecosystems.
Keywords
Telehealth expansion, Post-COVID, Healthcare systems, Challenges, Opportunities
Citations
IRE Journals:
Olufunke Omotayo, Abigael Kuponiyi, Opeoluwa Oluwanifemi Ajayi "Telehealth Expansion in Post-COVID Healthcare Systems: Challenges and Opportunities" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 3 Issue 10 2020 Page 496-513
IEEE:
Olufunke Omotayo, Abigael Kuponiyi, Opeoluwa Oluwanifemi Ajayi
"Telehealth Expansion in Post-COVID Healthcare Systems: Challenges and Opportunities" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 3(10)
About IRE Journals
IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
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