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BACKGROUND: Telemedicine has established itself as a growing form of healthcare within global health systems. However, despite its technological implementation, ethical challenges remain that limit its optimal practice. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the fundamental aspects and ethical shortcomings of telemedicine practice in hospitals and primary care settings. RESEARCH DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT: The study design was qualitative, using inductive content analysis as described by Elo and Kyngäs. The information was obtained through a focus group and seven in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals who are experts in bioethics, from the hospital and primary care settings. MAXQDA software was used for data management, and the analysis was conducted by two researchers. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The study was approved by a Research Ethics Committee (approval number 104/2025). RESULTS: Six main categories emerged from this study: autonomy, equity, safety, clinical practice, professional competence and person-centred care. Problems were identified with informed consent and the choice of telemedicine practice based on user characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine cannot be imposed as a universal substitute for face-to-face care without compromising ethical principles such as equity and autonomy. Failures in its ethical application were detected, especially in obtaining consent and data protection. Including the bioethical perspective in its regulation is key to responsible and person-centred implementation and development.
Martin et al. (Mon,) studied this question.