Towards Telemedicine Adoption in Korea: 10 Practical Recommendations for Physicians

Abstract

Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, consultation and prescription via telemedicine were temporarily allowed in the Korean population. However, at this point, it is difficult to determine whether telemedicine fulfills its role as a health care strategy. Arguably, if we had enough previous experience with telemedicine or sufficient preparation for its application, telemedicine could be more smoothly and flexibly adopted in the medical field. As it is still not possible to predict when the COVID-19 pandemic will end, phone consultation and prescription are likely to continue for some time. Hence, it is expected that telemedicine will naturally settle in the medical field in the near future. However, as we have noticed during this outbreak, improvised telemedicine without adequate guidance can be confusing to both patients and health professionals, thus reducing the benefit to patients. Medical staff requires preparation on how to appropriately use telemedicine. Thus, here we present some suggestions on implementing and preparing for telemedicine in the medical community.

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep center operations and sleep apnea treatment in Korea

“…Respondents expressed high levels of concern over many realistic issues. As we have experienced during this COVID-19 pandemic, improvised telemedicine without adequate guidance can be confusing to both patients and health professionals [32] . Despite these concerns, patients’ satisfaction with telemedicine was significantly greater than medical staff's satisfaction in other Korean study [33] .…”

Traditional Korean Medicine Home Care for the Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea

“…Owing to the focus on a multi-pronged approach involving widespread testing, tracing, and isolation to improve public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, health promotion programs in South Korea were suspended or reduced [ 10 , 11 ]. Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and reduced access to medical facilities, the government has temporarily allowed telemedicine consultations for vulnerable patients (e.g., older adults, patients with mental illness or people with disabilities), and simultaneously promoted community home care [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Community home care is essential for an ageing population and has been introduced as a pilot community project for older adults; since 2019, promotion of Community Care Pilot Projects has been undertaken in 16 local governments involving 242 local governments in cities, districts, and counties in the nation, led by the Ministry of Health and Welfare [ 14 ].…”

Survey for Government Policies Regarding Strategies for the Commercialization and Globalization of Digital Therapeutics

“… 7 Telemedicine was temporarily allowed in Korea as a result of the situation brought on by COVID-19. 8 However, according to a previous study, it was operated inefficiently due to the lack of definite guidelines. 8 Sufficient support and functional systems could make telemedicine work in a productive way for both patients and healthcare providers.…”

“… 8 However, according to a previous study, it was operated inefficiently due to the lack of definite guidelines. 8 Sufficient support and functional systems could make telemedicine work in a productive way for both patients and healthcare providers. Similarly, digital therapeutics is also a reliable option for patients with chronic disorders, who need to maintain treatment; however, the industry also faces a lack of guidance and structure yet.…”