Teleconsultation ideal for subtle family planning
Based on statistics, telemedicine is filling a critical gap for women during these times. Despite not being physically in the same room, telemedicine is not impersonal
Amid movement restrictions due to the pandemic, “teleconsultation” started to gain popularity and acceptance among Filipino women in learning more about modern family planning and contraceptive methods.
By tapping telecommunications technology, reproductive healthcare professionals are now more accessible through digital means where they can provide sufficient education and advice to their patients.
With this, Undersecretary Juan Antonio Perez III, executive director of the Commission on Population and Development, said many women have yet to be enlightened on traditional beliefs, myths and misconceptions about family planning which contributes to the high unplanned pregnancy rate in the country.
“Much of our work in the past was conducted through face-to-face advocacy communications and public events. But we need to transition from that setting to another using our help lines and social-media
platforms,” Perez explained. Doctors go virtual
“Already, we have set up systems for women to gain access to health services through virtual channels, where doctors will ask them to go online and have a discussion,” he added.
The use of teleconsultation through video calls has started to pick up since the country-imposed lockdowns due to the pandemic, Doctor Anywhere physician Dr. Rachel Chin said in the Bayer-supported virtual forum regarding “Women’s Health, Empowerment and Progress.”
“Based on statistics, telemedicine is filling a critical gap for women during these times. Despite not being physically in the same room, telemedicine is not impersonal,” she said.
According to Chin, teleconsultation allows patients to be as personal in confiding to doctors their concerns regarding reproductive health and sensitive information.
“Health care professionals can tailor advice on the topic of women’s health. They can provide a safe space for women to confide in and recommend options to reduce future health uncertainties, such as through regular screening, vaccination, or contraception,” she stressed.
She added that teleconsultation brings convenience to patients who do not have to wait at doctors’ offices. Patients may also choose female doctors if they find information being shared to be sensitive.