The Role of Telemedicine in Child and Adolescent Healthcare in India

Galagali, Preeti M.; Ghosh, Sreyoshi; Bhargav, Hemant

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We highlight the evolution and use of telemedicine in child and adolescent healthcare in India, in pre and post pandemic eras. RECENT FINDINGS: The latest research endorses telemedicine as a successful strategy in resource-limited settings to provide accessible and equitable healthcare. SUMMARY: Telemedicine was initiated in India in 2001. The pandemic restrictions resulted in an increase in its use. The national telemedicine and telepsychiatry guidelines facilitated and enabled its widespread use. Telehealth was used by private and public health establishments, in urban, rural, and remote areas. It was used for triaging cases; managing and monitoring COVID patients in home isolation, in non-COVID medical and psychiatric care, and follow-up; continuing medical education; and health promotion strategies like teleyoga. The shortcomings included inability to provide privacy and confidentiality, perform physical examination, and provide emergency care. Most patients and their caregivers expressed satisfaction with telehealth services. Telemedicine is likely to become an integral part of healthcare services in the post pandemic era.