The Role of Telemedicine in Child and Adolescent Healthcare in India

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewWe highlight the evolution and use of telemedicine in child and adolescent healthcare in India, in pre and post pandemic eras. Recent FindingsThe 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.

Implementation of a pediatric telemedicine and medication delivery service in a resource-limited setting: A pilot study for clinical safety and feasibility

“…Among cases with diarrhea (without ARI), 92% (43) received ORS and 19% (8) received an antibiotic; for cases between 2 months and less than 5 years, 53% (18) received zinc. Among cases with ARI and diarrhea, 100% (10) received an antibiotic, 100% (10) received ORS; for cases between 2 months and less than 5 years, none received zinc.…”

“…[7][8][9] The application of telemedicine in low-resource settings has potential to overcome workforce, distance, and logistical barriers. [10][11][12] However, provision of information without medications can be of limited value. Telemedicine coupled with medication delivery likely has the capacity to overcome more access barriers than either service by itself.…”

Online Psychological Assessment for Children and Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Exploring New Avenues in Times of Social Distancing

“…Their presence will be essential to smoothen out any technical challenges that arise, and with younger children, to facilitate sitting tolerance and attention. 26 A couple of sessions with both the child and the parent before planning the assessment would be prudent. It would facilitate better rapport and understanding of the child’s emotional and behavioral responses and the process of assessment. The parent/caregiver will be required to stay with the child throughout the assessment process as a facilitator.…”

“…Their presence will be essential to smoothen out any technical challenges that arise, and with younger children, to facilitate sitting tolerance and attention. 26 3. A couple of sessions with both the child and the parent before planning the assessment would be prudent.…”

“…Their presence will be essential to smoothen out any technical challenges that arise, and with younger children, to facilitate sitting tolerance and attention. 26 …”