Vietnam's Ministry of Health is piloting new guidelines for telemedicine and remote clinical support in 11 provinces and cities and five hospitals. The project aims to expand access to healthcare, particularly in mountainous and disadvantaged areas.
The participating localities are Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Tay Ninh, Can Tho, Vinh Long and Ca Mau. The five hospitals are Bach Mai Hospital, the National Children's Hospital, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Cho Ray Hospital and the Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital.
The ministry has sent a dispatch to begin the pilot. The guidelines describe remote medical consultations, examinations and treatment, as well as professional support between healthcare facilities. They set out telemedicine models, implementation requirements, professional responsibilities, patient safety standards and safeguards for health information.
The pilot will run until November 15. Healthcare facilities must report difficulties and obstacles to the ministry so it can revise the guidelines before their formal issuance.
Two telemedicine models
The guidelines provide for two models of remote healthcare. Under the first, healthcare professionals consult with and examine patients remotely. Under the second, they provide remote care with the assistance of medical staff at the patient's location.
The model depends on the patient's health condition, ability to use digital devices, Internet connectivity and capacity to provide relevant medical information and health indicators. It also takes into account the healthcare facility's professional capabilities, infrastructure and technical resources.
Under the second model, on-site medical staff can help patients use connected devices, measure and transmit health indicators, and collect medical records and test results for clinical assessment. This model is especially useful for older patients, people with disabilities and those who need help with digital devices, Internet access or sharing medical information.
Telemedicine can be used to monitor patients with stable chronic conditions, manage community healthcare, follow up with patients after discharge, assess adherence to treatment and conduct initial screening. Its use must match the patient's condition and the provider's clinical capabilities.
Remote care must not replace or delay emergency treatment. Patients showing signs of a medical emergency, those whose conditions cannot be adequately assessed remotely, and those requiring a physical examination must be referred to an appropriate healthcare facility.
Surgery, medical procedures and remote operation of medical devices are not permitted unless specific technical protocols are in place and the relevant legal requirements have been met.
Dr Ha Anh Duc, director of the Medical Services Administration, said the guidelines put into practice Politburo directives to bring quality healthcare closer to the public, particularly people in mountainous and disadvantaged areas. Healthcare facilities providing telemedicine must meet requirements for operating licences, scope of practice, staffing and technical infrastructure.
Participating healthcare professionals must hold the appropriate practising licences, work within their authorised scope of practice and take responsibility for their clinical decisions. Patient records and health information may be used or shared only for authorised purposes and within permitted limits. Public livestreaming and unauthorised forwarding of patient information and medical records are prohibited.
Remote consultations, prescribing and medication management must comply with existing regulations.
The guidelines also cover remote professional support between healthcare facilities. This includes advice on individual cases, help interpreting diagnostic test results and support for chronic disease management at primary healthcare facilities.
Such advice can inform clinical decisions but does not transfer responsibility away from the healthcare professional treating the patient or the facility responsible for the patient's care.
The pilot is intended to clarify implementation requirements, professional responsibilities and coordination between participants. Healthcare facilities must ensure patient safety, maintain clinical standards and protect health information throughout the project, in line with their capabilities and current regulations.
Sources: Viet Nam News
