JOURNAL OF BASIC AND CLINICAL HEALTH SCIENCES, cilt.9, sa.3, ss.678-686, 2025 (ESCI)
Purpose: Telemedicine, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), involves delivering healthcare services via information and communication technologies, particularly when distance is a critical factor. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of telemedicine worldwide, influencing the management of chronic diseases. Understanding the experiences and concerns of healthcare providers is vital for the future development of telemedicine in T & uuml;rkiye. Material and Methods: This study utilized the Delphi technique to explore the benefits, challenges, and application areas of telemedicine. The E-Delphi method was employed, involving three rounds of electronic consultation with a diverse panel of experts. Results: In the initial round, 24 participants generated 143 items, focusing on the benefits and limitations of telemedicine. By the third round, consensus was reached on 52 out of 77 items, particularly concerning the benefits and promotional strategies for telemedicine, though ethical and specialty-specific issues remained unresolved. Conclusion: To advance telemedicine in T & uuml;rkiye, clear legal and ethical guidelines are needed. The exclusion of telemedicine from healthcare reimbursements presents a significant challenge to its broader adoption. Despite its potential, practitioner concerns could hinder the growth of telemedicine in healthcare delivery.