Digital Health: Transforming Ecuadorian Healthcare Through Digital Technologies
Review Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33936/riemat.v9i2.7038Keywords:
Digital health, Digital transformation, Telemedicine, Health technology, Electronic health records, EcuadorAbstract
The integration of digital technologies is revolutionizing healthcare in Ecuador, significantly elevating the quality and accessibility of health services. This research aims to evaluate the impact of these technological innovations on the Ecuadorian healthcare system, identifying both benefits and associated challenges. Utilizing an exploratory-descriptive methodology, based on desk research and reviews of reports and studies from scientific databases and international organizations, the results indicate that telemedicine has notably improved access to medical services in rural areas, and electronic health records have optimized the management and coordination of care. During COVID-19, telemedicine and mobile applications facilitated consultations and monitoring, while geolocation and blockchain ensured the integrity of medical data. Despite the critical Agenda for Digital Health Transformation 2023-2027, challenges such as the digital divide between urban and rural areas and the need to improve internet infrastructure persist. The integration of artificial intelligence and data analysis has enhanced diagnostics and personalized treatments. This study highlights the importance of addressing challenges within the Ecuadorian health system to maximize the transformative potential of digital technologies and move towards a more resilient, equitable system adapted to contemporary health demands. Ultimately, the integration of digital technologies is reshaping healthcare in Ecuador, yielding significant benefits and presenting challenges that require solutions to fully realize their transformative potential.
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