Technology

Abstract

The chapter describes some of the benefits and opportunities that technology brings to the delivery of rural healthcare, many of these facilitated by access to the internet. But these positive developments are tempered by poor rural broadband connections and mobile phone coverage, and the expansion of digital technology demonstrates the need to be alert to the unintended consequences of changes and the potential for exacerbating health inequalities. With careful implementation, imagination and support and consideration of the needs of both healthcare professionals and their patients, technology and digital inclusion, including remote consultations, remote monitoring, near-patient testing, ultrasound, machine learning and artificial intelligence, has the potential to benefit everyone.