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Parthasarathi A, George T, Kalimuth MB, Jayasimha S, Kaleem Ullah M, Patil R, Nair A, Pai U, Inbarani E, Jacob AG, Chandy V, John O, Sudarsanam TD, Mahesh PA. Exploring the potential of telemedicine for improved primary healthcare in India: a comprehensive review. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. SOUTHEAST ASIA 2024; 27:100431. [PMID: 38957222 PMCID: PMC11215096 DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Telemedicine is a promising solution to the challenges of delivering equitable and quality primary healthcare, especially in LMICs. This review evaluated peer-reviewed literature on telehealth interventions in Indian primary care published from Jan 1, 2011 to Dec 31, 2021, from PubMed, Scopus, TRIP, Google Scholar, Indian Kanoon, and Cochrane database The majority of Indian studies focus on key health issues like maternal and child health, mental health, diabetes, infectious diseases, and hypertension, mainly through patient education, monitoring, and diagnostics. Yet, there's a lack of research on telemedicine's cost-effectiveness, communication among providers, and the role of leadership in its quality and accessibility. The current research has gaps, including small sample sizes and inconsistent methodologies, which hamper the evaluation of telemedicine's effectiveness. India's varied healthcare landscape, technological limitations, and social factors further challenge telemedicine's adoption. Despite regulatory efforts, issues like the digital divide and data privacy persist. Addressing these challenges with a context-aware, technologically driven approach is crucial for enhancing healthcare through telemedicine in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwaghosha Parthasarathi
- Rutgers University Institute for Health, Healthcare Policy, and Aging Research, The State University of New Jersey, 112 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Tina George
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Sudhindra Jayasimha
- Department of Urology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohammed Kaleem Ullah
- Centre for Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (A DST-FIST Supported Center), Department of Biochemistry (A DST-FIST Supported Department), JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore 570015, India
- Division of Infectious Disease and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Rutuja Patil
- Vadu Rural Health Program, KEM Hospital Research Centre, Pune, India
| | - Ajay Nair
- Swasth Digital Health Foundation, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Urvi Pai
- Swasth Digital Health Foundation, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Esther Inbarani
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anil G. Jacob
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, New Delhi, India
| | - V.J. Chandy
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Oommen John
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Padukudru Anand Mahesh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, JSS Medical College, JSSAHER, Mysore, Karnataka 570015, India
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Gajera GV, Pandey P, Malathesh BC, Nirisha PL, Suchandra KHH, Ibrahim FA, Suhas S, Manjunatha N, Kumar CN, Suresha BM, Jain S. Effectiveness of blended versus fully digital training in primary care psychiatry: A retrospective comparison from India. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2023; 14:91-97. [PMID: 36891122 PMCID: PMC9945417 DOI: 10.25259/jnrp-2022-4-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We compared effectiveness of blended mode (consisting of traditional classroom teaching and e-learning sessions) and fully digital mode (e-learning sessions alone) of primary care psychiatry training for primary care doctors in Chhattisgarh. Materials and Methods We retrospectively compared the engagement in training, knowledge (K), attitude (A), and practice (P) in primary care psychiatry, and patient identification by primary care doctors (n = 941) from Chhattisgarh region who underwent training through either blended training mode (n = 546) or fully digital training mode (n = 395) for 16 h each, using Clinical Schedules for Primary Care Psychiatry based modules between June 2019 and November 2020 with a tertiary care center (NIMHANS, Bengaluru) as hub. Statistical Analysis The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27 was used to analyze the data. Continuous variables were analyzed using the independent samples t-test, and discrete variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) (two-way mixed design) was used to see the interaction of training type and time of pre- and post-KAP measurement while controlling for years of experience. The number of patients identified by both training groups over 8 months was also compared using the repeated measures ANOVA (two-way mixed design). Results Engagement inferred by the number of participants completing pre-KAP forms (75%), post-KAP forms (43%), post-session assessments (37- 47%), case presentation (33.9%), and certification (32.1%) was better in the blended group (P < 0.05). The mean gain in KAP scores was significantly higher in the blended group controlling for the years of experience as primary care doctor (PCD) (F = 30.36, P < 0.001). PCDs in the blended training group consistently identified a higher number of patients with mental illness over 8 months of follow-up (F = 6.21, P < 0.001). Conclusion The blended mode yielded better results in primary care psychiatry training compared to fully digital mode. In-person interactions while provided for a very brief proportion of the training seem to have an unmistakable imprint on the outcomes and seem critical for better consolidation and assimilation of information, which translates into better practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopi V. Gajera
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Praveen Pandey
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Barikar C. Malathesh
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - P. Lakshmi Nirisha
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - K. Hari Hara Suchandra
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ferose Azeez Ibrahim
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Satish Suhas
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Narayana Manjunatha
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Bada Math Suresha
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sumi Jain
- Department of Non-Communicable Diseases, National Health Mission, Chhattisgarh, India
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Nirisha PL, Malathesh BC, Kulal N, Harshithaa NR, Ibrahim FA, Suhas S, Manjunatha N, Kumar CN, Parthasarathy R, Manjappa AA, Thirthalli J, Chand PK, Arora S, Math SB. Impact of Technology Driven Mental Health Task-shifting for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs): Results from a Randomised Controlled Trial of Two Methods of Training. Community Ment Health J 2023; 59:175-184. [PMID: 35779139 PMCID: PMC10290774 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-00996-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Mental health task shifting is a potential way to address the burgeoning treatment gap for mental illness. Easily available and accessible digital technology can be utilised to continuously engage grassroot level health workers (for example, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). However, the impact of such a strategy is not yet systematically evaluated. In this randomised controlled trial, longitudinal hybrid training of ASHAs [1 day in-person classroom training and seven online sessions (ECHO model), aimed to screen and refer to commonly prevalent mental health issues in communities] was compared with traditional one-day in-person classroom training. ASHAs (n = 75) from six Primary Health Centres in Ramanagara district, Karnataka, India were randomized into study (SG-ASHAs) and control (CG-ASHAs) groups. After excluding drop-outs, 26 ASHAs in each group were included in the final analysis of the scores on their Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) in mental health. Two house-to-house surveys were conducted by both groups to identify and refer possible cases. The number of screen positives (potential persons with mental illnesses) and the KAP scores formed the outcome measures. Online sessions for SG-ASHAs were completed over 18 months, the COVID-19 pandemic being the main disruptor. SG-ASHAs identified significantly higher number of persons with potential alcohol use disorders [n = 873 (83%); p ≤ 0.001] and common mental disorders [n = 96(4%); p = 0.018], while CG-ASHAs identified significantly higher number of those with potential severe mental disorders [n = 61(61.61%); p ≤ 0.001]. As regards KAP, after controlling for baseline scores, the time effect in RMANOVA favoured SG-ASHAs. Mean total KAP score increased from 16.76 to18.57 (p < 0·01) in SG-ASHAs and from 18.65 to 18.84 (p = 0.76) in CG-ASHAs. However, the Time-group interaction effect did not favour either (F = 0.105; p = 0.748). Compared to traditional training, mentoring ASHAs for extended periods is more impactful. Easily accessible digital technology makes the latter feasible. Scaling up such initiatives carry the potential to considerably improve treatment access for those in need.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lakshmi Nirisha
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Barikar C Malathesh
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, India
| | - Nithesh Kulal
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Nisha R Harshithaa
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Satish Suhas
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - N Manjunatha
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | | | | | - Adarsha Alur Manjappa
- DMHP Psychiatrist, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka Office of the District Health Officer, Ramanagara District, Ramanagara, Karnataka, India
| | - Jagadisha Thirthalli
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Prabhat Kumar Chand
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sanjeev Arora
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Suresh Bada Math
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
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Leung T, Greenhalgh T, Hughes G, Finlay T, Wherton J. Desperately Seeking Intersectionality in Digital Health Disparity Research: Narrative Review to Inform a Richer Theorization of Multiple Disadvantage. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e42358. [PMID: 36383632 PMCID: PMC9773024 DOI: 10.2196/42358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital consultations between patients and clinicians increased markedly during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising questions about equity. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to review the literature on how multiple disadvantage-specifically, older age, lower socioeconomic status, and limited English proficiency-has been conceptualized, theorized, and studied empirically in relation to digital consultations. We focused mainly on video consultations as they have wider disparities than telephone consultations and relevant data on e-consultations are sparse. METHODS Using keyword and snowball searching, we identified relevant papers published between 2012 and 2022 using Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The first search was completed in July 2022. Papers meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed thematically and summarized, and their key findings were tabulated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research criteria. Explanations for digital disparities were critically examined, and a search was undertaken in October 2022 to identify theoretical lenses on multiple disadvantage. RESULTS Of 663 articles from the initial search, 27 (4.1%) met our inclusion criteria. In total, 37% (10/27) were commentaries, and 63% (17/27) were peer-reviewed empirical studies (11/27, 41% quantitative; 5/27, 19% qualitative; 1/27, 4% mixed methods; 1/27, 4% systematic reviews; and 1/27, 4% narrative reviews). Empirical studies were mostly small, rapidly conducted, and briefly reported. Most studies (25/27, 93%) identified marked digital disparities but lacked a strong theoretical lens. Proposed solutions focused on identifying and removing barriers, but the authors generally overlooked the pervasive impact of multiple layers of disadvantage. The data set included no theoretically informed studies that examined how different dimensions of disadvantage combined to affect digital health disparities. In our subsequent search, we identified 3 theoretical approaches that might help account for these digital disparities. Fundamental cause theory by Link and Phelan addresses why the association between socioeconomic status and health is pervasive and persists over time. Digital capital theory by Ragnedda and Ruiu explains how people mobilize resources to participate in digitally mediated activities and services. Intersectionality theory by Crenshaw states that systems of oppression are inherently bound together, creating singular social experiences for people who bear the force of multiple adverse social structures. CONCLUSIONS A limitation of our initial sample was the sparse and undertheorized nature of the primary literature. The lack of attention to how digital health disparities emerge and play out both within and across categories of disadvantage means that solutions proposed to date may be oversimplistic and insufficient. Theories of multiple disadvantage have bearing on digital health, and there may be others of relevance besides those discussed in this paper. We call for greater interdisciplinary dialogue between theoretical research on multiple disadvantage and empirical studies on digital health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trisha Greenhalgh
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Hughes
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Finlay
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Wherton
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Chander KR, Moirangthem S, Patley R, Philip S, Varshney P, Basavaraju V, Parthasarathy R, Krishna PVM, Manjunatha N, Channaveerachari NK, Math SB. A camp approach of community psychiatry in India: Past, present, and the future. Ind Psychiatry J 2022; 31:191-196. [PMID: 36419705 PMCID: PMC9678157 DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_195_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Camps are a popular approach to deliver medical care in India. While it is usually a one-off event for physical ailments, it is a long-term affair in Psychiatry. One of the first camps in psychiatry was rolled out as early as in 1967 at Mandar, Ranchi, followed by Raipur Rani (Haryana) in 1976 and at Gunjur, Karnataka in 1977. This camp approach became extremely popular and got expanded across India as they were thought to be synonymous with community-based outreach for mental illnesses. In the past 5 years, however, newer models of community care have emerged, necessitating a relook at this traditional approach. In this paper, the authors trace the origin, utility and future directions of these camps, taking data from community psychiatry camps conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, a premier neuropsychiatric tertiary care institute in India. Data have been collated from the annual reports of the Institute, database from the District Mental health Program, Government of Karnataka, India, and compared with published literature on the same field. While camps remain as one of the important avenues to reach the unreached, there is a need to change the approach of their functioning by incorporating training (primary care providers) aspects and collaborative care. The latter may make the initiative more meaningful and sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Rakesh Chander
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sydney Moirangthem
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Rahul Patley
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sharad Philip
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Prateek Varshney
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Vinay Basavaraju
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Rajani Parthasarathy
- Department of Mental Health, Government of Karnataka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - P V Mohan Krishna
- Department of Nursing, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Narayana Manjunatha
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Suresh Bada Math
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Kalaivanan RC, Rahul P, Manjunatha N, Kumar CN, Sivakumar PT, Math SB. Telemedicine in Geriatric Psychiatry: Relevance in India. Indian J Psychol Med 2021; 43:S121-S127. [PMID: 34732964 PMCID: PMC8543607 DOI: 10.1177/02537176211033007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Telemedicine has evolved as a novel tool in delivering health care in the modern world. With the advancement in video conferencing technology at an affordable price and innovative digital medical instruments, it has grown from guiding paramedics in managing patients to aiding physicians in providing direct consultation. Delivering care for older adults has always been challenging due to comorbidities that may warrant a multidisciplinary approach leading to frequent visits across specialties. As per the preliminary reports of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India, 55% of this population suffers from any chronic illness, of which 40% have some form of disability and 20% deal with mental health issues. Over the years, telepsychiatry care for older adults has received increasing acceptability. Videoconferencing with improved connectivity and transmission rates has aided in evaluating, assessing, and providing mental health interventions at ease. The recent regulation of telemedicine practice in the country by rolling out the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines 2020 and Telepsychiatry Operational Guidelines 2020 has fast-tracked its utility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns of physical examination, psychological satisfaction of consulting physician in person, confidentiality, and security of information shared are points that need better addressing in the future. However, Telemedicine is recommended to be used judiciously, taking the risk and benefit of older adults on a case basis as it can significantly bring down the financial and emotional burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Chander Kalaivanan
- Dept. of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Patley Rahul
- Dept. of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | - Narayana Manjunatha
- Dept. of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
| | | | | | - Suresh Bada Math
- Dept. of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India
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