JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Telemedicine is a key element of modern healthcare, providing remote medical consultations and bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers. Despite legislative advancements and pilot programs, the integration of telemedicine education in Romania remains limited. Addressing these educational gaps is essential for preparing current and future medical professionals to effectively use telemedicine technologies.

Objective:

The study aims to evaluate the current state of telemedicine education in Romania, identify the challenges and opportunities associated with its integration into medical curricula, and provide recommendations for improving telemedicine education.

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Peer-reviewed articles from 2019 to 2023 were identified using databases such as PubMed and Scopus. Additional grey literature was reviewed to provide a comprehensive understanding of telemedicine education in Romania. Data were thematically analysed to extract key findings and recommendations.

Results:

The review identified significant progress in the legislative and infrastructural aspects of telemedicine in Romania, but highlighted gaps in integrating telemedicine education into medical curricula. While some universities have included telemedicine components, dedicated telemedicine courses and hands-on training remain insufficient. Barriers include a lack of infrastructure, digital literacy, and practical exposure to telemedicine technologies.

Conclusions:

For telemedicine to be effectively integrated into Romania’s healthcare system, medical education must be adapted to include comprehensive telemedicine training. Recommendations include enhancing digital literacy, fostering public-private partnerships, and incorporating telemedicine into undergraduate and continuous professional education programs. These efforts are essential for improving healthcare access and quality through telemedicine.