Telemedicine Efficiency in Hospital-Based Settings: A Literature Review with Implications for Albania

Abstract

Hospital-based telemedicine expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating notable benefits—particularly in small and rural hospitals. However, evidence on its efficiency and cost-effectiveness remains limited.  A literature review was conducted through a structured PubMed search strategy to identify relevant studies. The findings indicate that hospital-based telemedicine can be efficient but such outcomes depend on its careful adaptation to the disease area, medical specialty, and type of hospital setting. In Albania, hospital-based telemedicine should be further adapted and expanded, with decision-makers focusing on sustainable models aligned with institutional capacities and clinical priorities.

Keywords:

Telemedicine, Hospital-based care, Efficiency, Cost-effectiveness, Albania

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