The Role of Telemedicine in Increasing the Availability of Medical Services: Challenges and Difficulties in the Penitentiary System (on the example of Georgia)

Telemedicine is a relatively new direction in the healthcare system, which provides the possibility of remote delivery of medical services using modern telecommunication technologies. The Covid-19 pandemic showed us the relevance, advantage and effectiveness of the above-mentioned direction quite clearly and more or less accelerated both the discussion and the gradual implementation of the need for the development of telemedicine and its introduction into the active work process. The above-mentioned fact is confirmed by the state's inclusion of telemedicine in the list of priority issues. A number of hindering factors, such as busy schedules of doctors, long lists of patients and geographical barriers, etc., make it difficult to get the necessary medical services. In this regard, telemedicine provides an opportunity to easily contact the doctor and receive all the necessary information in a timely manner. In addition, remote consultations reduce the direct and social costs inherent in routine clinical practice and increase equitable access to medical services. Moreover, access to such services for penitentiary institutions is almost non-existent, while the need for it may be the most essential for such institutions, taking into account the specifics. The implementation of telemedicine as a modern, innovative service in the penitentiary institution ensures the provision of timely, multidisciplinary, cost-effective and safe medical services. The implementation of telemedicine in the institution will make it possible to increase access to health care services, prevent the institution from unnecessary hospitalization, save financial and human resources. Despite the positive aspects, there are certain risks and barriers, which the aforementioned research serves to identify and find ways to eliminate. In particular, does remote delivery of medical services reduce the quality of services? Is there a readiness on the part of doctors? In the case of medical staff readiness, to what extent do their skills match the requirements of the service to be provided? What is the degree of readiness of penitentiary system beneficiaries for remote medical services? What are the challenges related to this service in penitentiary institutions both in Georgia and in Europe?