Leveraging Telemedicine for Enhanced Healthcare Accessibility: A Narrative Review of Patient Satisfaction, Appointment Adherence, and Cost-Effectiveness

Abstract

Background: Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative approach to healthcare delivery, addressing geographical and logistical barriers. Its effectiveness in improving access, patient satisfaction, and appointment adherence requires comprehensive evaluation, especially in the context of digital disparities and socioeconomic challenges. Objective: This narrative review aims to assess the impact of telemedicine on healthcare access, patient satisfaction, and appointment compliance while identifying challenges and areas for improvement. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering studies from 2015 to 2024. Keywords included "telemedicine," "patient satisfaction," "appointment adherence," and "healthcare access." Studies were screened for relevance, and quantitative findings were extracted. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed articles reporting patient outcomes, adherence rates, and accessibility improvements. Results: Telemedicine reduced waiting times by 30–50% and improved appointment adherence by 20–40%. Patient satisfaction rates ranged from 70% to 95%, with comparable diagnostic accuracy to in-person visits. However, digital literacy barriers affected 15–25% of patients, and technological limitations hindered access in 10–30% of low-income populations. Cost-saving analyses were limited but indicated a reduction in travel expenses by 25–60%. Conclusion: Telemedicine significantly enhances healthcare access and patient satisfaction while improving appointment adherence. However, digital disparities and socioeconomic barriers must be addressed through hybrid models and inclusive policy frameworks to ensure equitable and sustainable telehealth expansion.