Inhibiting and facilitating factors for the acceptance and use of telemedicine:: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Telemedicine, as a component of digital health, has proven to be essential to expand access to health services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, its adoption depends on both facilitating and inhibiting factors of its acceptance and use by patients and professionals. Objectives: The study sought to map the inhibiting and facilitating factors of the acceptance and use of telemedicine, classifying them into seven categories: economic, environmental, ethical, legal and regulatory, organizational, social and technological. Method: A systematic review of the literature was carried out, following the PRISMA protocol. Articles published between 2020 and 2025 in the PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched, using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 611 records initially identified, 55 articles were selected for qualitative analysis. Results: The findings showed that factors such as high implementation costs, lack of legal infrastructure, low digital literacy, and privacy risks act as inhibitors to use and acceptance. Convenience, organizational support, previous experience with technologies, and the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic stood out as enablers. Conclusion: The study contributes by systematizing barriers and facilitators of telemedicine, offering subsidies for researchers, professionals, and policymakers to overcome obstacles, enhancing the safe and effective use of digital health.