Telemedicine: contributions, difficulties and key factors for implementation in the prison setting

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Public Health Policy
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Information and communication technologies are reshaping healthcare into a connected health ecosystem.
• Telemedicine is crucial for overcoming distance barriers, addressing financial, social, safety, and dignity concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential and challenges of implementing telemedicine in the Spanish prison system.
• To highlight how telemedicine can humanize healthcare by bringing services closer to patients with mobility limitations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the current state of telemedicine implementation in Spanish prisons.
• Identification of barriers hindering widespread adoption.

Main Results:

• Tele-consultations in prisons reduce costs and are highly valued by inmates.
• Implementation is scarce and irregular due to lack of awareness, resource shortages, and poor interoperability.
• Existing secure technologies like SARA Network and Reúnete© Service can support nationwide telemedicine programs.

Conclusions:

• Telemedicine offers significant benefits for prison healthcare, improving access and humanizing care.
• Overcoming barriers requires addressing resource limitations, enhancing awareness, and improving system interoperability.
• Available secure technologies provide a foundation for scaling telemedicine in prisons nationwide.