Salud digital: Oportunidades y desafíos. Revisión sistemática. Universidad Católica de Cuenca

Abstract

Digital health involves using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in healthcare. This research aimed to analyze the usefulness of digital health in healthcare settings. The methodological design consisted of a systematic review following the guidelines of the PRISMA 2020 statement. The search was conducted in scientific databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed, using key terms in Spanish and English, combined with Boolean operators to identify documents published in the last seven years according to specific inclusion criteria to select relevant studies. The results from 19 publications that met the inclusion criteria explain a marked trend toward using digital health tools, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, challenges or barriers include internet access, financial difficulties, and the perception of impersonal care. It is concluded that digital health and its tools have improved access to healthcare services, especially in remote and resource-limited areas, permitting patients to receive medical care without traveling. It is particularly beneficial for vulnerable populations and in public health emergencies.

Keywords: Digital Health, Telemedicine, Health Technology Opportunities, Barriers to Access to Health Services.