Key Points to Ponder:
What’s the ongoing story- Digital tele-consultation app e-Sanjeevani has facilitated 10 crore consultations so far, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday, adding that the success of the app is a “living example of how the people of India have made technology a part of their lives.” In the 98th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said digital platforms like e-Sanjeevani are proving to be a life saver for many. “e-Sanjeevani is becoming a life-saving app for the common man of the country, for the middle class, for the people living in hilly areas. This is the power of India’s digital revolution,” he said.
- What is eSanjeevani?
- The eSanjeevani scheme is related to what?
- How does eSanjeevani operate?
- E-Sanjeevani is a browser-based, system programme that enables teleconsultations between doctors and patients.
- The union health ministry introduced the e-Sanjeevani medical service during the Covid pandemic to get guarantees that people could receive medical advice even in far-off areas.
- The union health ministry described it as a doctor-to-doctor medical center that would offer basic and advanced healthcare in remote regions at the time of its launch.
- The e-Sanjeevani service creates a virtual connection between the patient and a physician or specialists at the center, which will be a tertiary medical center.
- A physician or specialist at a wellness centre would be this network's link. It enables real-time video chats between medical professionals at the hub and the patient (through paramedics) at the spoke. Medication purchases are made using the electronic prescription that is generated at the end of the session.
- What are the telemedicine services?
- Telemedicine is the delivery of health services from a distance via the internet, and it not only expands the reach of health services but also improves their quality while saving time and money.
- The implementation of e-Sanjeevani in India is said to be the first of its kind in terms of digital transformation in the delivery of health services on a national scale by a developing country.
- The World Health Organisation recommends a doctor-population ratio of 1:1000. What is the current doctor population ratio in India?
Every allopathic doctor in India, the Commission had estimated, caters to at least 1,511 people, much higher than the WHO norm of one doctor for every 1,000 people. The shortage of trained nurses is more dire, with a nurse-to-population ratio of 1:670 against the WHO norm of 1:300.
- Telemedicine in India-Where India stands?
- Why is there such a large demand for telemedicine services?
- What are the types of telemedicine?
- Need of telemedicine services in India before and after Pandemic-Brainstorm
The three different kinds of telemedicine?
1) Telemedicine with a store-and-forward capability
This is also referred to as "asynchronous telemedicine." And, understandably, many people are curious about whatever type of technology is used in the asynchronous version of telemedicine.
Well, store and forward telemedicine work similarly to email in that patients share medical information such as lab reports, x-rays, and other health-related information with healthcare providers, who then share this vital information with specialist consultants such as radiologists or physicians who are located in another location. So, when it comes to asynchronous telemedicine, what type of technology is used?
It's not dissimilar to how we all share ordinary emails; however, the significant distinction in this situation is that the platforms used to transmit such sensitive information have built-in security mechanisms and are HIPAA compliant, ensuring the privacy of patients' records.
By providing easy and secure data sharing, store and forward telemedicine make it easier for patients, healthcare providers, and specialists to engage and collaborate remotely. The method allows patients to see the best doctors for their treatment, even if they are in different parts of the country. Certain experts, such as radiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, and others, use this strategy relatively frequently.
2) Remote surveillance
Another essential and extensively used type of telemedicine is remote monitoring, which allows patients to self-monitor their health using a variety of technology equipment that can measure and record vital signs. Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and others are particularly fond of this technique. Such patients require regular vital sign monitoring, and they can use advanced telemedicine technologies to record, monitor, and exchange their vitals with healthcare experts as needed.
Remote monitoring is not only a more cost-effective way to manage chronic conditions, but it's also more dependable and enhances the quality of treatment provided to patients.
3) Interactive Services in Real-Time
The real-time interactive services are last in line for our main form of telemedicine. Surprisingly, this is one of the most common forms of telemedicine (in fact for most people this is the only approach of telemedicine). Patients can consult doctors and specialists one-on-one through video conferencing (which is where the term "real-time interactive" originates from) during the real-time interactive services approach.
This method allows patients to contact doctors directly for consultations, just as they would in a typical office setting. Patients can ask doctors questions about their concerns, and doctors can monitor any disease symptoms directly. The method employs HIPAA-compliant video conferencing software to assure patient data protection and confidentiality.
What are the other three kinds of telemedicine?
Telemedicine is a very fruitful field that has radically changed the face of healthcare in a short period. It has drastically enhanced the overall levels of healthcare service offered to persons around the world by enhancing the breadth and frequency of communication and information sharing between patients and medical providers. Improvements in the sector will eventually establish a global network of doctors and other health professionals who will be able to engage and educate their patients to unprecedented levels.
Some of its other kinds are:
Teleneuropsychology
It's a sort of telemedicine that's specifically designed to provide neuropsychological consulting to patients remotely, as the name implies (through telemedicine software like Cliniclive or phone). Doctors can use video conferencing to conduct standard evaluation tests, diagnose, treat, and follow up with patients remotely.
Telenursing
Telenursing is a sort of telemedicine that provides patients with remote nursing care. Telenursing is quickly gaining popularity among chronic patients and caregivers due to its low cost and ease of use.
Telepharmacy
In circumstances where it is impossible to contact pharmacists, telepharmacy is used to advise patients on pharmacological recommendations. This ensures that the patients' medications are kept up to date, as well as phone recommendations.
Telerehabilitation
Telerehabilitation makes use of technology to speak with patients and do clinical assessments and therapy. Video conferencing and webcams are routinely used to assist in communicating symptoms and clinical progress.
Each type of telemedicine provides a new way for clinicians to treat patients with effective and efficient care. They provide patients with more options and make it easier for them to acquire the care they need
