Ethical and Professional Challenges of Telemedicine Usage in Providing Health Care Services during COVID-19 Pandemic

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 forensic medicine and clinical toxicology , faculty of medicine, assiut univewrsity

2 : Lecturer of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Telemedicine platforms are ideal for managing several challenges facing healthcare systems in response to global infectious outbreak as COVID-19 Pandemic, however uncontrolled usage of telemedicine may associate with the development of ethical and legal risks in the context of health. Aim of the study: evaluate the extent, purposes, of increased telemedicine services during COVID-19 among physicians in Egypt Governorates assessing the associated ongoing ethical, legal and professional challenges. Material& Methods: The study is a cross sectional questionnaire-based study consisting of two sections designed to evaluate the extent, purposes, of telemedicine regarding health services in the period of COVID-19 pandemic with measuring the extent of the public's awareness of seeking medical advice through telemedicine also, assessment of the implementations of professional and ethical standards of such process and associated inherent ethical and professional risks of the telemedicine. Results: (84.8%) of participants prefer the use of telemedicine during the period of COVID-19 pandemic, most participants satisfied about their usage of telemedicine especially what’s app application, great majority of the physicians (67.7%) expressed the presence of multiple risks (Ethical, Legal, Professional, Personal) associated with providing the health care services by this process. the great majority of the participants (78.6%) are satisfied with the service
Conclusion: Telemedicine provides great remote health services during COVID-19 pandemic, but also carries greater risks of ethical, legal, personal, and professional aspects. physicians and medical students using telemedicine should pay attention to the ethical sensitivity in their relationships with patients.

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