Telemedicine, ethics, and law in times of COVID-19. A look towards the future

The health emergency in Spain caused by COVID-19 was of such a magnitude that on March 14, 2020, a state of alarm was declared that lasted for more than three months. This ongoing pandemic has affected a vast number of people. Among the measures taken to reduce the risk of contagion, visits to health centers have been reduced and virtual consultations have increased. Once the pandemic ends, it wilt be necessary to consider whether telemedicine should be limited to periods of health crises or whether it could become a new way of practicing medicine. Telemedicine lacks specific regulations and has loopholes that leave physicians with a considerable degree of insecurity. This article analyzes the limits, precautions, and legal standards of the use of telemedicine. (C) 2021 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. and Sociedad Espanola de Medicina Interna (SEMI). All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The health emergency in Spain due to COVID-19 led to a state of alarm for over three months, affecting a vast number of people. Measures such as reducing in-person visits to healthcare facilities and increasing virtual consultations were taken to mitigate the risk of contagion. After the pandemic, the consideration of telemedicine as a new way of practicing medicine will be necessary, given its lack of regulations and loopholes that may cause insecurity among physicians.