Exploring the benefits and limitations of using telemedicine in unscheduled care

Emerg Nurse. 2024 Sep 16. doi: 10.7748/en.2024.e2210. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Telemedicine is increasingly used in healthcare settings, including in unscheduled care. This article details the findings of a literature review that aimed to determine the benefits and limitations of using telemedicine in unscheduled care. The findings suggest that the use of telemedicine can be cost-effective for patients and healthcare providers and may reduce hospital transfer and admission rates. However, patients' digital literacy and communication needs, as well as technical issues, were identified as limitations. Further research is needed on the use of telemedicine in unscheduled care to determine how it affects patient care.

Keywords: accident and emergency; admission; communication; emergency care; patient experience; patients; professional; professional issues; technology; telehealth; urgent care.