A scoping review of virtual clinics in underserved regions: barriers and opportunities
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Virtual clinics can improve healthcare access for underserved populations. Tailored strategies addressing infrastructure, policy, and training are crucial for successful implementation in rural and remote areas.
Area Of Science
- Digital Health
- Healthcare Access
- Rural Health
Background
- Universal healthcare access is a right, yet underserved populations face significant barriers.
- Virtual clinics offer a promising solution to bridge healthcare gaps in rural and remote areas.
- This review systematically explores barriers and facilitators for virtual clinic implementation in underserved regions.
Purpose Of The Study
- To systematically review barriers and facilitators influencing virtual clinic implementation in underserved regions.
- To guide future policies and strategic development for virtual healthcare in marginalized areas.
Main Methods
- Systematic review following Joanna Briggs Institute Manual and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
- Comprehensive database searches (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar) and gray literature.
- Independent multi-reviewer screening, data extraction, and thematic analysis using MAXQDA.
Main Results
- Sixty-six articles were included, with research growth since 2002, primarily from Australia, USA, and Canada.
- Key challenges include policy gaps, high costs, provider resistance, poor internet, and data privacy concerns.
- Facilitators include government support, stakeholder engagement, sustainable funding, workforce training, infrastructure investment, and hybrid models.
Conclusions
- Virtual clinic implementation in underserved areas presents multifaceted challenges.
- Strategic facilitators and context-specific approaches are essential for adoption and sustainability.
- Strengthening infrastructure, digital literacy, workforce development, and policy are key for equitable virtual healthcare access.
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