Reaching Out to the Urban Underserved For Continuum of Healthcare during COVID-19 Pandemic Using Available Technologies

Limalemla  Jamir; S Sathiyanarayanan; Navyakrishna  Naidu; Rakesh  Kakkar

doi:10.5455/njcm.20200526043917

Authors

Limalemla Jamir All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Mangalagiri, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
S Sathiyanarayanan All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Mangalagiri, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
Navyakrishna Naidu All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Mangalagiri, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
Rakesh Kakkar All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Mangalagiri, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5455/njcm.20200526043917

Keywords:

COVID-19, Underserved, teleconsultation, telemedicine, mhealth

Abstract

Background: India is one of the earliest countries to impose Nationwide Lockdown, restricting movement of people in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It has brought a sudden halt to non-COVID-19 health services in terms of consultation, follow-up and access to diagnostics.

Objectives: This study was aimed to maintain communication during the COVID-19 lockdown with an underserved community through available and accessible technology.

Methods: A total of 32 families residing in the ‘containment zone’ belonging to a minority community were contacted telephonically and enquired about illnesses during the lockdown, access to healthcare, COVID-19 related practices and concerns. They were sensitized about the soon-to-be launched multi-dimensional mobile based teleconsultation application by the Institute.

Results: Expressed health needs were doorstep collection of samples instead of having to venture out to health facilities, availability of emergency and routine health care services.

Conclusion: A unique model of teleconsultation benefitting the community is proposed.

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