WHO issues new guide to deliver telemedicine services

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In an effort to improve the routine use and the proper delivery of telemedical services, the World Health Organization announced it issued a guide detailing all the necessary steps for policymakers to design and oversee the implementation of this critical health resource, particularly for communities that live in remote areas.

The Covid-19 pandemic, among many other complex global challenges, has especially highlighted the persistence of major gaps in telemedicine that are evident even in the strongest health systems.

"For telemedicine to have the most impact when and where it is needed, the enabling environment is critical. Investments in national policies, governance, and standards are important to have in place," said Prof Alain Labrique, Director of the Department of Digital Health and Innovation.

"This Guide is not a stand-alone solution, but rather a complementary tool that works in tandem with user-centered solutions that are accessible by all, towards delivering high-quality remote care that is accountable and suitable to the context in which patients live." 

In addition to the WHO Digital Investment Implementation Guide, the guide provides a concise outline of all the necessary steps to ensure that the implementation and planning process of digital health interventions goes smoothly.

It includes steps for maintaining and budgeting telemedical services to deliver socially just and equitable health outcomes.

In recent years, telemedicine has gradually picked up steam due to barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.

"Our department is proud to have contributed to the development of this guide,” said Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of WHO Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and HRP (the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction).

"Telemedicine is an important tool that expands access to critically needed sexual and reproductive health services – but we need to be mindful of the inherent inequities where access to the technology is limited or where there is the potential for harm. This Guide aims to support countries to deliver telemedicine services, while highlighting approaches to optimize and improve health for all."

The organization recommends that all nations enhance telemedicine interventions and include leadership and governance, strategy and investment, infrastructure, legislation, policy and compliance, workforce, and services and applications.

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