Treading the Thin Line Between Health Ethics and Patient Care in the Application of Telemedicine: The Case of Sound Ethical Guidelines in Telemedicine in Sub-Saharan Africa

The entry of technology and digital platforms into the health sector has allowed for the expansion of healthcare from traditional healthcare facilities, thereby overcoming geographical barriers and giving birth to telemedicine. Information technologies enable the delivery of healthcare services, even when distance is a critical factor. These technologies facilitate the exchange of valid information for diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and injuries. They also aid in research and evaluation, and support the continuing education of healthcare providers. These efforts are aimed at improving the health of individuals and communities. However, despite providing a platform where health can be easily accessible to all despite location, telemedicine also exposes patients to unethical practices, such as leaking their data to non-intended users and sometimes hackers, highlighting the need for sound ethical governance practices. There is a need for ethical governance and regulatory frameworks for the application and use of digital technology in health, which will minimise the infringement of patients' ethical rights and privacy.