Remote Healthcare Adoption and Its Social Effects

  • Authors

    • Ritu Agarwal Finance Manager, Capgemini, India. Author
    • Ajay Krishnan Technical Lead, Tech Mahindra, India. Author

    DOI:

    https://doi.org/10.67228/30715636/IJETMR-2023PII4A6R

    Published 10-03-2023

  • Remote Healthcare, Telemedicine, Digital Health Adoption, Social Impact, Healthcare Accessibility, Telehealth Systems, Technology Acceptance Model, Digital Divide, Healthcare Policy, Remote Patient Monitoring

    Issue

    Vol. 6 No. 2 (2023)

    Section

    Articles

    How to Cite

    [1]
    R. Agarwal and A. Krishnan, “Remote Healthcare Adoption and Its Social Effects”, IJETMR, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 01–12, Oct. 2023, doi: 10.67228/30715636/IJETMR-2023PII4A6R.

  • Abstract

    Telemedicine or remote healthcare has transformed modern healthcare delivery by using digital communication technologies, artificial intelligence, wearable devices, and high-speed internet. These innovations improve healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and inclusivity. The global adoption of remote healthcare increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerating the shift from traditional in-person care to hybrid or fully virtual healthcare models. This study examines the adoption of remote healthcare and its social implications across economic, demographic, technological, and ethical dimensions. It analyzes core components of remote care systems, including teleconsultation services, remote patient monitoring (RPM), mobile health (mHealth) applications, and AI-assisted diagnostic tools. A conceptual framework based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DOI) is used to evaluate factors influencing adoption. Key determinants include perceived usefulness, digital literacy, infrastructure readiness, regulatory support, reimbursement policies, and socio-cultural acceptance. Adoption levels are measured using a composite Remote Healthcare Adoption Index (RHAI) based on variables such as digital infrastructure availability, patient satisfaction, provider readiness, and policy support. Statistical findings suggest that higher adoption improves rural healthcare access, enhances chronic disease management, and reduces healthcare costs. However, challenges such as the digital divide, cybersecurity risks, and unequal technological literacy remain. The social impact is evaluated through four dimensions: accessibility equity, economic impact, behavioral changes in patient-provider interaction, and public health resilience. Remote healthcare improves service coverage in remote regions, reduces travel-related carbon emissions, and increases patient engagement through continuous monitoring. However, reliance on digital systems may widen inequalities among populations lacking digital access. Ethical concerns, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and consent management, also affect public trust. The study highlights the importance of regulatory frameworks, interoperability standards, and strong cybersecurity measures for sustainable adoption. Overall, remote healthcare offers significant socio-economic benefits, but its long-term success depends on inclusive digital infrastructure, standardized policies, and robust cybersecurity governance. The paper provides policy recommendations for governments, healthcare providers, and technology developers to support equitable, secure, and sustainable remote healthcare systems.

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