Telemedicine use in rural areas of the United Kingdom to improve access to healthcare facilities: A review of current evidence

Rural populations in the UK face healthcare inequities despite the NHS's aim of providing universal healthcare. These disparities include restricted access, transportation challenges, and healthcare workforce shortages, resulting in delayed care and poorer health outcomes. This research aims to investigate the use of telemedicine in rural areas of the United Kingdom to improve access to healthcare facilities. The research process combines a systematic literature review with a thematic analysis using open coding. The results were presented through thematic representation from an open-coding method, following an established search strategy, inclusion/exclusion criteria, a two-step screening procedure, and data extraction. The PRISMA framework was used to screen the articles for the research. Findings reveal that telemedicine significantly improves access to healthcare in rural areas by reducing travel barriers, enhancing mental health services, and increasing patient engagement. Studies highlight its expanding use during pandemics, cross-border reach, and beneficial effects on mental health services. Digital literacy programs and targeted resource distribution were identified as critical to maximizing the effectiveness of telemedicine. Measures like digital literacy and equitable resource allocation are called for in response to issues like specialized care delivery and equitable access. Together, these projects present a thorough strategy for using telemedicine's promise of equal access to healthcare in rural areas. Even though studies show that telemedicine was used more frequently during the epidemic, the review underscores the need for enhanced digital literacy and infrastructure to ensure equitable access. Difficulties, including legal complications, a lack of technological literacy, and communication obstacles, still exist. Initiatives to promote digital literacy, fair resource distribution, and regulatory changes for smooth integration are highlighted in the suggested solutions. Overall, telemedicine holds the potential to significantly reduce healthcare disparities in rural areas, provided these challenges are addressed. • Telemedicine is rapidly growing in rural UK healthcare, transforming access. • Telemedicine boosts rural healthcare, especially during the pandemic. • Telemedicine positively affects rural healthcare access, reducing geographical barriers.