Perspectives of healthcare providers on telemedicine implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia: a mixed-method study

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2025

Publication Title

Front Public Health

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine (TM) in Colombia as a tool for delivering healthcare for both chronic and non-chronic conditions. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of healthcare providers, directors, and managers on TM implementation within a major health plan provider covering 15% of the Colombia population.

METHODS: Mixed-methods study was conducted, combining surveys and in-depth interviews with medical professionals and decision-makers. Thematic analysis of qualitative data and statistical analysis of survey responses provided insights into the challenges and opportunities of TM during the pandemic.

RESULTS: Healthcare providers recognized TM as a valuable tool but identified key challenges to its optimization. Three main strategies were proposed: (1) enhancing medical training to improve remote diagnosis, (2) integrating wearables and digital technologies to support clinical decision-making, and (3) fostering a culture of TM use among patients and providers to ensure acceptance and sustainability.

CONCLUSION: Telemedicine facilitated equitable healthcare delivery and contributed to reducing the digital gap in Colombia. However, to ensure long-term viability, national policies must improve internet connectivity and strengthen primary care infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions.

Medical Subject Headings

Humans; Colombia/epidemiology; Telemedicine/organization & administration; COVID-19/epidemiology; Health Personnel/psychology; Attitude of Health Personnel; Surveys and Questionnaires; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics; Female; Delivery of Health Care; Male; Qualitative Research; COVID-19 pandemic; Colombia; digital health; health equity; health systems; healthcare provider; mixed-methods; telemedicine

PubMed ID

40823239

Volume

13

First Page

1643085

Last Page

1643085

Find It @ Sladen

Share

COinS