Telehealth in Colombia, challenges associated with COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly altered societal norms and practices.
• Traditional healthcare delivery and health education faced unprecedented challenges.
• The pandemic highlighted the underappreciated potential of virtual resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To underscore the transformative impact of the pandemic on health services and education.
• To emphasize the critical role of virtual tools in the post-pandemic era.
• To advocate for the adoption and innovation of telehealth and telemedicine.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the pandemic's impact on healthcare and education systems.
• Identification of the growing reliance on virtual protocols and resources.
• Assessment of the necessity for professionals and educators to engage with digital health tools.

Main Results:

• The pandemic has irrevocably changed human life, including health services and education.
• Virtuality-based protocols and resources have become essential.
• Telehealth and telemedicine are recognized as fundamental tools for professionals and educators.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare and education must adapt to a new reality shaped by the pandemic.
• Telehealth and telemedicine are indispensable for future practice and pedagogy.
• There is an obligation to learn, apply, and innovate within these virtual health domains.