JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The progress of telemedicine can be measured by examining established legal frameworks. According to a 2016 WHO report, 69% of member states had no legislation or policy to define their jurisdiction over eHealth actions. The report also pointed to a clear difference between high- and low-income countries.

Objective:

This study aimed to provide a global overview of the existing legal framework regarding telemedicine and to identify the ethical and social concerns associated with implementing and practicing telemedicine within current norms, particularly in terms of equity.

Methods:

This study employed a qualitative approach, utilizing document analysis and the READ approach. A global overview of regulations on telemedicine was produced, covering WHO member states and regions, classified by income level according to the World Bank. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively through thematic content analysis to determine whether regulations generally consider the ethical and social implications of telemedicine, primarily through the lens of equity.

Results:

Fifty-five countries, representing 28% of the WHO Member States, mainly the wealthiest countries, have implemented some regulatory mechanism. Ethical and legal questions often go unaddressed in underserved countries.

Conclusions:

Low-income countries continue to face challenges in regulating telemedicine. The findings suggested a geographical division that continues to favor the wealthy while leaving the impoverished unprotected. The development of telemedicine is not as advanced as thought, since one way of measuring its progress is the presence of legal frameworks.