Regulations and sociodemographic patterns in telemedicine use in Hungary in 2021 and 2024
Döbrössy Bence
Mental Health Sciences Division
Dr. Bódizs Róbert
SE Magatartástudományi Intézet könyvtára
2026-01-15 14:00:00
Magatartástudományok
Dr. Kovács József
Dr.Győrffy Zsuzsa, Dr.Girasek Edmond
Dr. Vajer Péter
Dr. Varga Zsuzsanna
Dr. Bereczki Dániel
Dr. Bóné Veronika
Dr. Kuna Ágnes
This doctoral research explored sociodemographic patterns in telemedicine use in Hungary in 2021 and 2024 within the framework of the legislative regulatory environment. To achieve this aim, it examined the evolution of telemedicine related regulation in Hungary using a narrative analysis with the approach of a systematic literature review and the quantitative analysis of two large scale, representative surveys of sociodemographic patterns in telemedicine related habits done almost 3 years apart. Our systematic literature review of original studies on surveys of general (not physician) populations and telemedicine use and attitudes during and after the pandemic revealed that the research this thesis is based on is filling an important gap. It is based on nation-wide samples stratified for gender, age, settlement type and education and it makes temporal comparison possible as the same questionnaire was administered in 2021 (N=1500) and 2024 (N=1000).
The policy analysis revealed that the pandemic acted as a catalyst for legislative activities regarding telemedicine. From a situation where non-personal health care provision was not allowed by law, quick and decisive policymaking created a legal-regulatory environment permitting telemedicine. For a Healthy Hungary 2021-2027 the now current health sectorial strategy is the first health strategy which pays attention to telemedicine development.
The quantitative results show that the use of telemedicine tools increased markedly between 2021 and 2024. Especially notable is the spread of online appointment booking, sharing medical documents and teleconsultations. Some socio-demographic differences in telemedicine use are narrowing over time, others remain. Gender differences are diminishing, age narrowed and is no longer significant. Education and settlement type are still considerable differences, with the less educated and those people living in villages using fewer telesolutions for their health needs. This denotes the existence of the digital paradox. People living in villages have more issues accessing health care physically so they would benefit more from telemedicine. The less educated have greater health needs and experience more illness and yet still use fewer telemedicine solutions. This is an area where policy intervention is needed.
