Functioning of Telemedicine in the Polish System Health Protection
Purpose: The aim of the study is to discuss key aspects of telemedicine in Poland, to review the most important concepts and legal regulations concerning its functioning, to indicate the directions of development, benefits and threats of using information and communication technologies in the provision of health services, as well as to present data and prospects for the development of telemedicine in Poland. It is also crucial to further develop telemedicine infrastructure and educate patients so that they can fully benefit from modern forms of healthcare. Design/Methodology/Approach: Own research, analysis of source data. Findings: Telemedicine enables the delivery of healthcare services at a distance. It encompasses a wide range of healthcare specialities and practices delivered using information and communication technologies. Initially, telemedicine was to be used for patients in areas distant from the healthcare provider, but the COVID-19 pandemic was a key impetus for intensifying its development. Practical Implications: Implementation of modern teleinformatics solutions, adjustment of legal regulations and education of patients and doctors will be crucial for further popularisation of telemedicine in Poland, which in practice means that, apart from the advantages of these solutions, there are disadvantages and barriers to the introduction of healthcare in the form of telemedicine. Originality/Value: Currently, telemedicine covers various areas such as teleconsultation, teleradiology, telemonitoring, e-prescriptions and e-referrals. In Poland, this field is gaining importance, which contributes to improving the availability and efficiency of health services.