Kesenjangan Digital dalam Telemedicine sebagai Faktor Penentu Ketimpangan Kesehatan di Indonesia: Tinjauan Skoping

The Digital Divide in Telemedicine as a Determinant of Health Inequities in Indonesia: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: Telemedicine's rapid adoption in Indonesia, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, presents a potential solution to healthcare access challenges. However, this digital transformation also carries the risk of exacerbating health inequities due to a significant digital divide.

Objectives: This scoping review aims to systematically map the scientific evidence on the telemedicine digital divide as a determinant of health inequity in Indonesia.

Method: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, GARUDA, Google Scholar) were searched. After a rigorous screening process of 18,892 initial records, six relevant studies published between 2021-2024 were included for thematic synthesis.

Result: Included studies were predominantly quantitative and focused on young, urban populations in Java. Key drivers of telemedicine adoption were trust, perceived usefulness, and ease of use. However, significant structural barriers constituting the digital divide were consistently identified, including infrastructure limitations, socioeconomic factors, and, most critically, low digital health literacy.

Conclution: The digital divide in Indonesian telemedicine is a significant determinant of health inequity, not merely a technical barrier. A holistic approach combining technological innovation with policies for equitable infrastructure and public digital literacy is essential to ensure telemedicine promotes health equity rather than worsening existing disparities.