The healthcare sector in Turkey is undergoing a profound digital transformation, with telehealth services emerging at the forefront of this change. Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has revolutionized patient care by enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and patient satisfaction. However, ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of these services requires a strategic and managerial perspective.
Telehealth refers to the delivery of healthcare services through information and communication technologies. This model enables faster and more convenient management of chronic conditions, consultations, prescription renewals, and follow-ups. More importantly, it allows individuals in rural and hard-to-reach areas to access essential healthcare services.
The success of telehealth services depends not only on technological infrastructure but also on effective healthcare management. The responsibilities of healthcare managers in this domain include:
Enhancing digital competencies among healthcare personnel
Ensuring data security and patient privacy
Strategic investment planning in health technologies
Measuring and improving patient experience in digital services
Ensuring legal compliance with evolving digital health regulations
Conducting cost-effectiveness analysis to optimize resource use
In Turkey, the Ministry of Health’s digital health policies and e-health initiatives lay the foundation for transformation in public healthcare institutions. Notable platforms such as e-Nabız, MHRS (Centralized Appointment System), and remote consultation systems represent key steps in this direction.
Meanwhile, private healthcare providers are demonstrating more flexibility in developing and implementing innovative technological solutions. In these institutions, visionary leadership by healthcare managers plays a critical role in maintaining competitiveness.
Telehealth is not just a temporary solution—it is set to become a permanent and integral component of future healthcare systems. For both public and private institutions, comprehensive strategic planning is essential to successfully integrate telehealth into broader healthcare delivery frameworks.
