Teleconferencing, also known as videoconferencing, allows for visual and auditory communication

through television monitors. Advances in electronics have made teleconferencing equipment increasingly
affordable, resulting in experimental uses of teleconferencing among the health care professions. Whereas
earlier prototypes required a satellite connection between television monitors, telecommunications can
now be transmitted much more economically through telephone lines.

Telemedicine is defined by the World Health Organization (2010) as “the delivery of health care
services, where distance is a critical factor, by all health care professionals using information and
communication technologies for the exchange of valid information for diagnosis, treatment and
prevention of disease and injuries, research and evaluation, and for the continuing education of health
care providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and their communities”.
Teleconsultation refers more specifically to the consultation done using telecommunications, with the
purpose being diagnosis, or treatment of a patient with the sites being remote from patient or physician
(Deldar, etal.2016; VanDyk, 2014).

 Who can practice telemedicine?

-Any physician with a valid license from the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission
(PRC) can engage in telemedicine with patients physically residing in the Philippines.
 What are the minimum competencies to practice telemedicine?
-Telemedicine requires proficiency in digital communication skills, clinical acumen and
knowledge of technology and equipment to be used, while adhering to ethical practice.
 What are the minimum requirements to setup for telemedicine?
-A communication device such as a landline phone, cellphone with or without camera, and/or
computer will be required. If using video or chat software, a stable internet connection is vital. A
private, well-lit location is preferred, especially for video consult.

Telemedicine and consultation services may be done in the following platforms:

 Online chat
 Online video conferencing
 Landline or mobile phone voice calls
 Chat apps

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Advantages

 No need to go to the hospital

 Can arrange schedule convenient to the patient
 Availability of doctor specialists
 Cost effective
  Easy to use apps
 Saves patient’s time
 No exposure to sick patients or contaminated hospital facilities

Disadvantages

 Virtual clinical treatment decreases human interaction among the healthcare professionals and
patients that increases the risk of error in clinical services, if the service is delivered by
inexperienced professional. Moreover, confidential medical information can be leaked through
faulty electronic system.
 Telemedicine might take longer time for the difficulties in connecting virtual communication due
to low internet speed or server problem. Moreover, this system cannot provide immediate
treatment, such as, antibiotics.
 Low quality of health informatics records, like, X-ray or other images, clinical progress reports,
etc. run the risk of faulty clinical treatment.
 Telemedicine system requires tough legal regulation to prevent unauthorized and illegal service
providers in this sector.