Impacto de la telemedicina en el acceso a atención primaria de salud en áreas rurales.

Abstract

Telemedicine (TLM) has emerged for several years as a promising solution, allowing people to overcome geographical barriers and facilitating access to health services. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of telemedicine on access to primary health care in rural communities. A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA approach, searching for articles published between 2020 and 2024 in databases such as PubMed that met the inclusioncriteria. The results indicate that during the pandemic, there was a notable increase in the use ofTLM, with a 27.2% increase in isolated rural areas; 90% of patients were satisfied with virtual primary care, and 75% considered it comparable or superior to previous in-person care. The use of TLM offset the reduction in in-person visits, with a 55.23% increase in visits when combined with high-speed internet access. This effect was more pronounced in urban areas, but also significant in rural areas. It also reduces the need for physical facilities and personnel, reducing the health system's operating costs. In conclusion, TLM positively impacts access to PHC in rural areas by helping to overcome geographic and temporal barriers that have traditionally restricted medical care in these communities. This is due to its ability to strengthen continuity of care, increase patientsatisfaction, and reduce costs associated with travel and the need for physical infrastructure.