EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF TELEMEDICINE IN DELIVERING POST-OPERATIVE ORTHOPEDIC CARE IN RURAL INDIAN POPULATION: A PILOT STUDY
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Keywords
Telemedicine, Rural Healthcare, Orthopedic Care, Post-operative Follow-up, India
Abstract
Introduction: Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address the challenges of delivering post-operative orthopedic care in rural India, where access to specialized medical services is limited. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a telemedicine intervention for post-operative orthopedic care in rural Indian populations.
Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, involving a single-arm prospective cohort of 50 patients receiving post-operative orthopedic care via telemedicine over six months. The intervention included scheduled video consultations with orthopedic specialists and a mobile application for symptom reporting and rehabilitation guidance. Quantitative data were collected using standardized outcome measures and satisfaction questionnaires, while qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with patients and healthcare providers.
Results: Significant improvements were observed in pain scores (mean VAS decrease from 7.2 to 2.8, p<0.001) and quality of life measures (SF-12 PCS increase from 32.4 to 45.7, p<0.001) over the study period. Patient satisfaction with telemedicine was high (mean overall satisfaction score: 4.2/5). The successful connection rate for telemedicine consultations was 92%, with only 14% of patients requiring in-person follow-up. Complications were minimal, with 86% of patients experiencing no adverse events.
Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrates the potential of telemedicine in effectively delivering post-operative orthopedic care to rural Indian populations. The intervention showed promising results in terms of clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and feasibility of implementation. However, challenges related to technological infrastructure and user adaptability need to be addressed for successful large-scale implementation.
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Dr. Vijay Shankar
Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedics, Maharishi Vashisht Autonomous State Medical College Basti, Uttar Pradesh.
Dr. Siddhartha Yadav
Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedics, United Institute of Medical Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Geetesh Kumar Singh
*Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedics, United Institute of Medical Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India