Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) of Implementing Teleconsultation: A Systematic Review

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the traditional models of providing services in health systems. One of the recommended ways to provide healthcare services in this era is teleconsultation. This study aimed to determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOTs) of teleconsultation from the general practitioner's point of view and to implement it in the COVID-19 era.

A systematic review was conducted by searching online databases, including the PubMed, Scopus, and WOS databases, from the beginning to January 1, 2024, without restrictions and using relevant keywords. All studies that mentioned at least one of the areas of strength, weakness, opportunities, or threats related to teleconsultation were included in the study. We used content analysis to combine the results.

Ultimately, 32 studies were included in this review. The most important factors were determined in four domains. Strengths included ease of use of technology, reduction of time and cost, and facilitating documentation. Weaknesses included a lack of physical exams, less direct communication, and internet-related problems. The opportunities included the increasing progress of medical technologies worldwide, continuity of care, and people's interest in the daily use of new technologies. Threats included sociocultural barriers, the need for continuous training, and competing interests.

Examining internal and external factors is important for formulating a plan. Identifying these factors and using them can lead to the formulation of effective and efficient programs in the field of teleconsultation for general practitioners in the era of COVID-19. Without paying attention to these issues, adopting appropriate plans to minimize weaknesses and threats, and effectively using strengths and opportunities to implement telemedicine projects, there is a possibility of failure and waste of time, effort, and credit in the health sector.