Medical teleconsultation has now become an essential tool for improving access to healthcare in Switzerland. However, whether remotely or in the practice, healthcare professionals must comply with medical, legal, and ethical requirements to ensure safe and lawful consultations. In this article, we review the Swiss legal framework governing teleconsultations, the key security measures to follow, and the criteria to consider when choosing the right software.
What are the main regulations applicable to teleconsultations?
In Switzerland, teleconsultations are subject to the same rules as in-person consultations. Three key pillars define their framework:
- Medical Professions Act (MedPA): doctors must fulfill their duty of care even remotely and ensure appropriate medical treatment.
- Federal Data Protection Act (revFADP): patient data must be protected by suitable technical and organizational measures.
- Medical confidentiality (Criminal Code): the obligation of confidentiality also applies to teleconsultations, ensuring that no sensitive information is shared with third parties.
How can you ensure teleconsultation compliance?
To comply with Swiss regulations regarding teleconsultations, healthcare professionals must implement several measures:
- Reliable authentication: verify patient identity through secure means (password, SMS, smart card)
- Strict access control: only authorized persons (doctor and patient) should have access to medical data
- Incident monitoring: set up a detection and reporting system in case of unauthorized access
- Transparency in data use: inform patients about how their data is processed in accordance with the revFADP
What security criteria should you consider when choosing teleconsultation software?
Choosing the right technical solution is crucial. A compliant teleconsultation platform must offer:
- End-to-end encryption to protect communication between doctor and patient
- Data hosting in Switzerland to comply with national regulations
- A secure authentication system to limit access to authorized users
Monitor your patients remotely
Why choose OneDoc Pro over a generic video solution for your online consultations?
It may be tempting to use everyday video tools like WhatsApp or Zoom for teleconsultations. However, these solutions are not designed for medical use:
- WhatsApp may be convenient, but data can be transmitted outside of Switzerland, and the platform offers no guarantee of compliance with Swiss legal or medical confidentiality standards.
- Zoom/Teams offer advanced security features for professional use, but they are designed for business communication. Their configuration and hosting are not specifically adapted to the needs of medical teleconsultations in Switzerland.
OneDoc Visio is developed exclusively for healthcare professionals in Switzerland:
- Data hosted in Switzerland
- End-to-end encryption with no storage or recording
- Full compliance with OCPD and ISO 27001 standards
- An experience designed specifically for doctors and their patients (teleconsultation badge, professional backgrounds, secure screen sharing)
The Swiss legal framework provides a clear and secure structure for teleconsultations. While it does not replace all in-person visits, it represents a valuable alternative to improve access to healthcare. By respecting the principles of medical diligence, confidentiality, and data protection and using a compliant solution like OneDoc Visio, healthcare professionals can confidently offer secure and efficient remote consultations.
