How telemedicine helped manage chronic diseases

Source: The post how telemedicine helped manage chronic diseases has been created, based on the article “AIIMS software can extend specialist care for diabetics in rural areas” published in “Indian Express” on 5th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Context: The article discusses how telemedicine helped manage chronic diseases like diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights a software from AIIMS, Delhi, aiding rural healthcare centers. Emphasis is on combining digital tools with quality medical care while ensuring data confidentiality.

For detailed information on Digital health: leveraging technology for transforming health care read this article here

How Does Software Improve Diabetes Care?

1. Support for Local Doctors: The software aids general physicians in PHCs by processing patient data on risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
2. Specialized Consultation: Developed by AIIMS, Delhi, it extends specialized diabetes consultation to rural areas where specialists are scarce.
3. Early Diagnosis: Helps address the issue that nearly 50% of diabetes cases in India are underreported due to lack of awareness.
4. Improved Treatment: Suggests treatment plans based on data input, enhancing the doctor’s ability to manage diabetes effectively.
5. Integration Potential: Can sync with the National Health Programme’s electronic records, promoting seamless expert interaction.

What Are the Benefits and Limitations of Software?

1. Benefits of the Software:
2. Improves Diagnosis: Helps PHC doctors diagnose diabetes by processing patient data like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
3. Supports Rural Healthcare: Extends specialized diabetes consultation to rural areas where specialists are scarce.
4. Enhances Treatment Outcomes: Promotes a digitally connected healthcare ecosystem, improving treatment outcomes, especially in rural India.
5. Limitations of the Software:
6. Dependent on Doctors: Requires doctors to adapt the software’s advice based on patients’ lifestyles.
7. Data Privacy Concerns: Needs protection against data confidentiality breaches.
8. Integration Needed: More effective when synced with the National Health Programme’s electronic records.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the software developed by AIIMS, Delhi, improves diabetes care in rural areas.