Implementation and Progress of Telemedicine in Poland: Comparative Analysis with EU Member States

Theoretical background: Telemedicine has become a critical component of modern healthcare, offering the potential to improve patient outcomes, streamline clinical workflow, and facilitate more informed decision-making. Its implementation in healthcare systems offers the opportunity to leverage technology to improve access, efficiency, and quality of care. Purpose of the article: This study aims to investigate the implementation of telemedicine in the Polish healthcare system and assess its adoption in comparison with other EU countries. It also aims to assess the impact of the rate of adoption of teleconsultations as a percentage of all consultations in Poland on the quality and accessibility of healthcare in comparison with other EU member states. Research methods: This research used a literature-based approach, analyzing existing scientific articles, government reports and OECD data to understand the current state of telemedicine in Poland and EU countries. Data on the implementation rate of medical teleconsultations as a percentage of all consultations were collected from national healthcare databases and Eurostat. Main findings: The study highlights the urgent need to prioritize telemedicine in Poland to enhance healthcare efficiency. Poland’s teleconsultation rate (25%) and digitized health records (41%) lag behind leading EU nations such as Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, which have higher telemedicine adoption and fully digitized records. The low adoption rate in Poland contributes to inefficiencies, administrative burdens, and healthcare disparities, especially in rural areas. Countries with advanced telemedicine systems demonstrate improved patient outcomes, reduced hospital congestion, and optimized resource allocation. Strategic measures, including infrastructure development, policy reforms, and digital education, are essential for Poland’s healthcare modernization.