HEALTH EQUITY IN TELEMEDICINE: ADDRESSING DISPARITIES IN DIGITAL HEALTHCARE ACCESS-A NARRATIVE REVIEW-S

Background: Telemedicine has transformed healthcare delivery by enhancing accessibility and continuity of care, yet it has also exposed and exacerbated existing disparities in digital healthcare access. Socioeconomic status, digital literacy, geographic location, and racial and ethnic backgrounds significantly influence telemedicine utilization. Addressing these disparities is essential to achieving equitable healthcare outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by barriers to digital health services. Objective: This review examines the disparities in telemedicine access, identifies key barriers contributing to digital health inequities, and explores potential strategies to promote health equity in telemedicine. Main Discussion Points: The review synthesizes current evidence on the impact of socioeconomic factors, racial and ethnic disparities, and geographic barriers on telemedicine utilization. It discusses technological and policy-related challenges, including broadband accessibility, insurance reimbursement inconsistencies, and digital literacy gaps. Additionally, the review highlights methodological limitations in existing studies, such as selection bias and lack of longitudinal data, which hinder the generalizability of findings. Potential solutions, including community-based digital literacy programs, standardized telehealth policies, and infrastructure expansion, are explored as strategies to mitigate disparities. Conclusion: While telemedicine holds promise for improving healthcare accessibility, inequities in digital health access persist. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions at the clinical, policy, and research levels. Future studies should focus on long-term health outcomes and the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing digital health disparities to ensure telemedicine serves as an inclusive and equitable healthcare solution. Keywords: Telemedicine, Health Equity, Digital Health Disparities, Digital Literacy, Healthcare Access, Narrative Review