Online Journal of Public Health Informatics · Published 2026-06-06 · DOI 10.2196/87559
Risa Hara, Yosuke Hirakawa, Yuka Sugawara, Masao Iwagami, Ryota Inokuchi, Masaomi Nangaku
Abstract BackgroundDigital health care technologies, including mobile applications and telemedicine platforms, have transformed how medical professionals communicate and deliver care. Remote consultation by doctors plays a vital role in ensuring access to appropriate expertise, particularly in medically underserved or geographically remote areas. However, the diversity in technological modalities, devices, and patterns of use across specialties and regions has not been systematically mapped. ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the current status and characteristics of teleconsultations among medical providers and specialists, focusing on device use, consultation modalities, clinical specialties, and regional differences. Through this approach, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of technological and practical trends in mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine. MethodsA systematic scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines using the MEDLINE and Embase databases. The search covered studies published up to February 2026, with no restrictions on the publication year. Studies meeting the predefined inclusion criteria were also included. ResultsA total of 255 citations were screened, and 99 articles were included. Studies were analyzed according to consultation method, target, and regional characteristics. Of these, 81 out of 99 (81.8%) articles were in the doctor-to-doctor category. Email, web, or app-based platforms were the most common. In addition, 86 out of 99 studies used medical images, most frequently photographs. Orthopedics and dermatology were the most frequently involved specialties, followed by internal medicine. Regarding the region, 60 of 99 studies were domestic, and the other 39 studies were international. Rural-to-urban domestic consultations comprised 27 out of 99 (27.3%) studies, whereas consultations from low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries accounted for 11 of 99 (11%) studies. ConclusionsThis review examined doctor-to-doctor and doctor-to-patient consultations with doctor involvement. Specialties in which medical images are central, such as orthopedics and dermatology, were more frequently represented than in other fields. This highlights disparities in the use of teleconsultation across clinical disciplines and suggests that addressing these imbalances is essential for broader adoption. Furthermore, the findings indicated a progressive shift from videoconference-based interactions to mobile and app-based platforms, reflecting ongoing technological advancements. Optimizing the integration of these digital tools and promoting equitable access are critical for enhancing the quality and reach of teleconsultation practices in future digital health systems.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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Hara, R., Hirakawa, Y., Sugawara, Y., et al. (2026). Trend in Devices and Digital Tools for Remote Consultation From Medical Providers to Specialists: Scoping Review. Online Journal of Public Health Informatics. https://doi.org/10.2196/87559