Advocacy and Social Action in telehealth focuses on adopting new technologies when they benefit clients. What should guide such adoption?

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Adoption of new telehealth technologies should be guided by what benefits the client and whether the technology is appropriate for their needs. This means weighing whether the tool improves access, quality, safety, privacy, and the client’s ability to participate in care, and whether it fits their clinical situation, preferences, and level of digital literacy. It also involves considering practical factors like access to devices and reliable connectivity, language and cultural relevance, and clear informed consent and privacy protections. While regulatory requirements matter, they set minimum standards and do not by themselves determine whether a technology is truly beneficial for a given client. Likewise, staff convenience or marketing opportunities do not justify adoption if they do not translate into real client benefit and appropriateness. If a technology would introduce risks, widen inequities, or be inappropriate for a client’s condition or context, it should not be adopted.