Time to include Telemedicine in National Level Public Health Surveys – A Perspective

Abstract

Telemedicine stands as a revolutionary solution in the realm of digital health. Its impact is deeply felt in domains of availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability, all of which are integral to our comprehension of health-seeking behaviour. Existing research on telemedicine from different sample studies reveals variations based on socioeconomic factors, yet comprehensive national-level insights remain limited due to the non-availability of data. As telemedicine continues to expand, the gap in our understanding is also widening. So, it is time to integrate telemedicine-related questions and options into national-level public health surveys to generate valuable information about the contribution of telemedicine in impacting health-seeking behaviour, social disparities and health outcomes. Such data would not only strengthen the academic discourse but also be instrumental in guiding the strategic planning of telemedicine services at local, regional and national levels, ensuring their alignment with the actual needs and preferences of the people they aim to serve.