Why you should read this article:

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To acknowledge the increasing use of telemedicine in unscheduled care settings

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To recognise the limitations of the use of telemedicine in unscheduled care

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To appreciate the potential benefits for patients and healthcare providers of using telemedicine in unscheduled care

Telemedicine is increasingly used in healthcare settings, including in unscheduled care. This article details the findings of a literature review that aimed to determine the benefits and limitations of using telemedicine in unscheduled care. The findings suggest that the use of telemedicine can be cost-effective for patients and healthcare providers and may reduce hospital transfer and admission rates. However, patients’ digital literacy and communication needs, as well as technical issues, were identified as limitations. Further research is needed on the use of telemedicine in unscheduled care to determine how it affects patient care.