Hanoi French Hospital expands care

Hanoi French Hospital is leading the way in Vietnam with a myriad of patient-oriented programmes

During a period of limited mobility for many patients due to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing restrictions, a medical emergency is nevertheless considered an essential reason for leaving the house, although many people are reluctant to take the risk. At the same time, they may be worried about the progress of convalescence or concerned as medication for a chronic condition runs low.

In the wake of the situation, Hanoi French Hospital (HFH) is now offering the opportunity of confidential contact with a trusted hospital specialist or GP about medical needs from the comfort and safety of home, in the form of a tele-consultation.

HFH points out that tele-consultation cannot replace all consultations, as most require the patient to physically be assessed and examined by the relevant specialist, or may require actions that require physical tests. But often, follow-up consultations are required after initiating therapy, or particularly when treating patients with chronic conditions. In such cases the doctor may be able to give further indications on the treatment of the healing process, or on continued or modified medication.

As usual, in case of any doubt, the doctor will ask the patient to come in for an in-person consultation so as to assure the quality of care. In such a case where the doctor believes the tele-consultation to be insufficient, a new physical consultation will be scheduled within the week and only one consultation will be charged to the patient, if the tele-consultation did not result in the expected result.

Patients who want to follow-up on their medical condition need to discuss this with their doctor first. Tele-consultation does not allow for a doctor to make an assessment of the patient’s health, nor to perform any kind of tests or examination that would be possible during a full, physical consultation. It is the doctor who will make the assessment on the suitability of tele-consultation for a particular condition, based on the patient’s request.

However, once the doctor and patient agree and the consent form confirms their agreement, the patient is good to go and can progress with tele-consultations, in which an appointment can be set up by simply calling the hospital.

Through this innovation, HFH combines safety with convenience and ease of use: upon making a confirmed appointment, the tele-consultation can take place using the patient’s preferred app. All commonly used apps, such as Zalo, Zoom, WhatsApp, Skype, and more, are supported.

Patients are guided to provide and take the required information and a time is fixed. After the consultation, the hospital will provide the required documents for the patient’s health insurance if required, and can fulfill their prescription from the hospital pharmacy by delivery.

HFH has set up a quality process to assure that the safety of the patient and the quality of care and medical treatment can be assured. It is a mutually agreed process to which the patient agrees by signing the consent form that can be found on the official website.

HFH is one of several hospitals providing tele-medicine services to meet growing local demands. In line with the Ministry of Health’s Decision No.4888/QD-BYT dated October 2019, approving the master plan on developing smart healthcare in the 2019-2025 period, hospitals are strengthening tele-medicine services, especially in the context of the coronavirus outbreak.

Tele-medicine is becoming an inevitable trend in the healthcare sector amid the wider influence of Industry 4.0. Along with individual users, corporations are also looking for digital healthcare providers that enhance their employees’ conditions and can approach new innovations to ensure a full digital transformation.