Evaluation of Telemedicine Consultation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology- A Cross Sectional Observational Study.

Abstract

Telemedicine has a range of advantages. It improves timely access to relevant interventions, such as quicker access and access to programs that would not be accessible otherwise. Telemedicine has a range of advantages. It improves timely access to relevant interventions, such as quicker access and access to programs that would not be accessible otherwise.

Providing in-person healthcare in India is difficult, particularly given the vast geographical distances and limited resources. One of the major benefits of telemedicine is that it can save money and time for patients, particularly those in rural areas, because they do not have to travel long distances for consultation and care. Telemedicine consultation for obstetrics and gynecology patients opens new gateway for female health care.

Materials and methods : This was a cross sectional observational study . Teleconsultation through Whats App video call was done on 84 women desiring consulatation. Analysis was done for sociodemographic characteristics, classification for type of problems. Level of care given , urgent need for hospital visit and effectiveness and outcome in terms of patient and doctor satisfaction.

Results: Maximum patients who benefited from the teleconsulataion were young (71.42%), married (76.19%) and literate (91.66%). 61.9% of patients were residing in area beyond 25 km from the hospital. More patients (72.61%) preferred single consultation . Obstertrics patients(40.47%)  outnumbered patients seeking care for other conditions . 19.04% patients required urgent hospital visits, while others were managed by electronic prescription (32.14%), reassurance (11.9%) and follow up  with tests (36.9%) . Overall patient satisfaction rate was good i.e 89.28%.

Conclusion: Telemedicine  consultation proved to be a blessing in disguise for obstetrics and gynaecology patients especially during lockdown period. It was very effective and accepted by the patients.