Telemedicine and Quality of Health Care: A Literature Review on Challenges and Perspectives in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Telemedicine has established itself as a strategic tool for strengthening the quality of health care, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Its expansion has enabled greater accessibility to specialized services, optimized resources, and ensured continuity of care, becoming a central axis in the reorganization of healthcare practices. This literature review, based on studies published between 2020 and 2024, analyzed the impacts of telemedicine in the post-pandemic period, identifying benefits, challenges, and future perspectives. The results show that telemedicine contributes to greater agility in care delivery, reduces geographic barriers, and leads to high levels of patient satisfaction, especially due to the convenience and speed of the service. It also supports the monitoring of chronic conditions and strengthens integration among multidisciplinary teams. However, the literature highlights persistent challenges, such as digital inequality, the need for continuous professional training, and the importance of ensuring information security and establishing well-defined ethical protocols. In this context, the sustainable consolidation of telemedicine depends on harmonizing technological innovation with the human quality of care, preserving the therapeutic bond and patient-centeredness. It is concluded that telemedicine is likely to remain a structural component of health systems, provided that robust public policies, adequate technological infrastructure, and ethical practices are ensured to promote equitable and safe care.