The Rise of Telemedicine in the Philippines during COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Utilization Trends and Patient Outcomes

Yentl Kierstein C. Aban; Jashley V. Abunto; Jioe Vincent Earl P. Aliorde; Nykos Carmelo M. Benson; Erikah Rein U. Figueroa; Jan Angela D. Masiddo; Justin Erol C. Pabustan; Franco Rigor M. Legatub

doi:10.52006/main.v6i4.876

Yentl Kierstein C. Aban University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9752-5725
Jashley V. Abunto University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9911-8844
Jioe Vincent Earl P. Aliorde University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9873-020X
Nykos Carmelo M. Benson University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5482-6679
Erikah Rein U. Figueroa University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6050-6150
Jan Angela D. Masiddo University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4156-2690
Justin Erol C. Pabustan University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0973-2767
Franco Rigor M. Legatub University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0694-7721

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52006/main.v6i4.876

Keywords: Health sciences, Telemedicine, Thematic analysis, Systematic review, Philippines

Abstract

The study discussed the telemedicine trends in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2023. Determining the frequency of use of telemedicine, the factors that influenced its use before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects of telemedicine in improving the healthcare system in the Philippines. A systematic review was conducted using thematic analysis and the PRISMA checklist. The results presented a pattern indicating that teleconsultation usage corresponded to increased COVID-19 cases. Furthermore, telemedicine utilization surged from March 2020 to March 2022, with video consultations increasing from 5 to 495 monthly visits between 2019 and 2022. The study concluded that it was driven by increased mobile phone usage, improved patient satisfaction, government support, and increased video consultations, offering alternative healthcare delivery. Future studies should include more regions and timeframes to comprehensively present telemedicine trends in the Philippines.