Telemedicine and Primary Care: Reach and Limitations Post-Pandemic

• Edith Rojas, Fernanda ^[1] ; Bustamante Galarza, Karina ^[1]
  1. [1] Universidad Abierta Interamericana

     Universidad Abierta Interamericana

     Argentina

     
• Localización: SAP Primary Care, ISSN-e 3121-2212, Nº. 1, 2025
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Background: Telemedicine has established itself as a key tool to ensure the continuity of primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic, overcoming geographical barriers and optimizing resources. However, in the post-pandemic period, technological, social and regulatory challenges persist that condition its sustainability.  Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted in academic databases and official documents, including fifteen studies published between 2021 and 2025 that addressed telemedicine in primary care. Results: The findings showed that telemedicine improved health coverage in rural areas, reduced waiting times, and optimized chronic disease management. High levels of patient and professional satisfaction were observed, although older adults had greater difficulties in adapting. Technological infrastructure barriers, digital literacy gaps, and regulatory gaps in bioethics and informed consent persist.  Conclusion: Telemedicine is an effective and complementary tool for primary care, but it requires hybrid models and solid regulatory frameworks that guarantee equity, quality of care and sustainability over time.