Empowering Rural Healthcare in Tamil Nadu: A Framework for Patient-Centered Telemedicine

Year : 2025 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 02 | Page : 36 42
    By

    Julliyan Dilleban,

  • Vasantha Priya M,

  • Andrews E,

  • Thenraja S,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Arulmigu Kalsalingam College of Pharmacy, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. PharmD Intern, Department of Pharmacy Practice, ArulmiguKalasalingam College of Pharmacy, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. PharmD Intern, Department of Pharmacy Practice, ArulmiguKalasalingam College of Pharmacy, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu,
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Arulmigu Kalsalingam College of Pharmacy, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Rural populations in Tamil Nadu often face challenges in accessing quality healthcare due to geographic isolation, limited resources, and shortages of healthcare professionals. Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative solution, offering a promising approach to bridge these gaps. This article presents a comprehensive framework for patient-centered telemedicine aimed at empowering rural healthcare in Tamil Nadu. By focusing on chronic disease management, particularly for conditions like hypertension and diabetes, this framework incorporates tailored telemedicine services that prioritize patient needs, preferences, and local healthcare infrastructure. The proposed model includes strategies for integrating telemedicine with existing healthcare services, enhancing the digital literacy of rural communities, and ensuring equitable access to quality care. This article highlights the potential challenges, including technological limitations, data privacy concerns, and regulatory barriers, and proposes solutions to overcome these hurdles. The framework offers insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and technologists seeking to improve healthcare outcomes in underserved rural areas through innovative digital health solutions.

Keywords: Telemedicine, Rural healthcare, Tamil Nadu, Digital health, Healthcare policy

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology ]

How to cite this article:
Julliyan Dilleban, Vasantha Priya M, Andrews E, Thenraja S. Empowering Rural Healthcare in Tamil Nadu: A Framework for Patient-Centered Telemedicine. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology. 2025; 15(02):36-42.
How to cite this URL:
Julliyan Dilleban, Vasantha Priya M, Andrews E, Thenraja S. Empowering Rural Healthcare in Tamil Nadu: A Framework for Patient-Centered Telemedicine. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology. 2025; 15(02):36-42. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjop/article=2025/view=208636


References

1. Chellaiyan, Vinoth G.1,; Nirupama, A. Y.1; Taneja, Neha2. Telemedicine in India: Where do we stand?. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care 8(6):p 1872-1876, June 2019. | DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_264_19
2. Mukherjee, S., & Levesque, J. F., “Primary healthcare in India: current status and challenges.” Indian Journal of Public Health, 2021. DOI: 10.4103/ijph.IJPH_221_19
3. Gupta, A., & Kaur, P., “Rural healthcare infrastructure: Challenges and opportunities in India.” Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 2022. DOI: 10.4103/0970-0218.183593
4. Bajpai, N., & Goyal, S., “Primary Healthcare in India: Current Status and Key Challenges.” Social Science Research Network, 2020. DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3541657
5. Kruse CS, Krowski N, Rodriguez B, Tran L, Vela J, Brooks M. Telehealth and patient satisfaction: a systematic review and narrative analysis. BMJ Open. 2017 Aug 3;7(8):e016242. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016242.
6. Trettel A, Eissing L, Augustin M. Telemedicine in dermatology: findings and experiences worldwide – a systematic literature review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018 Feb;32(2):215-224. doi: 10.1111/jdv.14341.
7. Vudathaneni VKP, Lanke RB, Mudaliyar MC, Movva KV, Mounika Kalluri L, Boyapati R. The Impact of Telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring on Healthcare Delivery: A Comprehensive Evaluation. Cureus. 2024 Mar 4;16(3):e55534. doi: 10.7759/cureus.55534.
8. Hubley, S., et al. (2016). “Telepsychology: A Systematic Review of the Literature.” Psychology, Health & Medicine, 21(9), 1016-1033. doi:10.1080/13548506.2016.1156633
9. Hursman A, Vang C, Thooft T, Stone K. The Role of Telepharmacy in the Delivery of Clinical Pharmacy Services Following the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Report. J Pharm Technol. 2024 Apr;40(2):66-71. doi: 10.1177/87551225231222426.
10. Joshi AU, Lewiss RE. Telehealth in the time of COVID-19. Emerg Med J. 2020 Oct;37(10):637-638. doi: 10.1136/emermed-2020-209846.
11. Chukmaitov, Askar S.; Harless, David W.; Bazzoli, Gloria J.; Deng, Yangyang. Factors associated with hospital participation in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Accountable Care Organization programs. Health Care Management Review 44(2):p 104-114, 4/6 2019. | DOI: 10.1097/HMR.0000000000000182
12. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. (2021). “eSanjeevani: Digital Telemedicine Platform.” https://www.esanjeevani.in/
13. Balhara, Yatan Pal Singh1,; Kattula, Dheeraj2; Singh, Swarndeep2; Chukkali, Surekha3; Bhargava, Rachna4. Impact of Lockdown Following COVID-19 on the Gaming Behavior of College Students. Indian Journal of Public Health 64(6):p 172-176, June 2020. | DOI: 10.4103/ijph.IJPH_465_20
14. Xu S, Glenn S, Sy L, Qian L, Hong V, Ryan DS, Jacobsen S. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Care Utilization in a Large Integrated Health Care System: Retrospective Cohort Study. J Med Internet Res. 2021 Apr 29;23(4):e26558. doi: 10.2196/26558. Erratum in: J Med Internet Res. 2021 May 5;23(5):e30101. doi: 10.2196/30101.
15. Rahul A. Lad, Bhawna Sharma Padroo,Advancements and challenges in digital health implementation in India: A comprehensive literature review,World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2024, 18(01), 205–208,Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2024.18.1.0186
16. Patil, S. S., & Gupta, V. (2021). “Telemedicine in India: Current Status and Future Prospects.” Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 46(2), 171-173. DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.IJCM_301_20.
17. Jain, R., et al. (2021). “Ayushman Bharat Scheme and Telemedicine: An Overview.” International Journal of Health Services, 51(4), 479-486. DOI: 10.1177/0020731421990734
18. Ailawadi, S., & Kharat, M. (2021). “The Rise of Telemedicine Startups in India: Opportunities and Challenges.” Indian Journal of Marketing, 51(3), 32-45. DOI: 10.17010/ijm/2021/v51/i3/156781.
19. Bansal, A., et al. (2020). “Mobile Health Applications in India: Current Trends and Future Directions.” Health Informatics Journal, 26(4), 2262-2273. DOI: 10.1177/1460458218779736.
20. Barry MJ, Edgman-Levitan S. Shared decision making—the pinnacle of patient-centered care. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(9):780-1. doi:10.1056/NEJMp1109283
21. Rathert C, Wyrwich MD, Boren SA. Patient-centered care and outcomes: a systematic review of the literature. Med Care Res Rev. 2013;70(4):351-79. doi:10.1177/1077558712465774.
22. Mead N, Bower P. Patient-centered consultations and outcomes in primary care: a review of the literature. Patient Educ Couns. 2002;48(1):51-61. doi:10.1016/S0738-3991(02)00099-X
23. K. M. S. et al. Tamil Nadu Telemedicine Project: Bridging the Healthcare Gap. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. 2006;12(3):112-116.
24. S. R. et al. E-Health Initiatives in Tamil Nadu: An Overview. Indian Journal of Public Health. 2020;64(2):161-167.
25. Kumar S. Impact of COVID-19 on Telemedicine in Tamil Nadu: A Rapid Review. International Journal of Health Services. 2021;51(4):500-510.
26. Gupta R. Private Sector Collaboration for Telemedicine in Tamil Nadu: Opportunities and Challenges. Telehealth and Medicine Today. 2021;6(3):1-8.
27. Sharma, A., & Bansal, P. (2020). Telemedicine in rural India: Challenges and opportunities. International Journal of Health Services, 50(3), 291-299.
28. Ranjan, R., & Sahu, R. (2021). Digital literacy in rural healthcare: Barriers and solutions. Journal of Rural Health, 37(4), 662-668.
29. Kumari, S., & Verma, A. (2020). Cultural perceptions of telemedicine in rural communities: A qualitative study. Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, 5(3), 211-217.
30. Desai, H., & Mehta, S. (2020). Policy framework for telemedicine in India: An overview. Telehealth and Medicine Today, 5(1), 1-8.
31. AlDossary S, Armfield NR, Smith AC, Martin-Khan MG. A Needs-based Planning Framework for Telemedicine Services: A Practical Guide. National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence in Telehealth; Centre for Online Health at the Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Australia. 2019.
32. Natarajan V, Sundaram S, Parameswaran A. Telemedicine Services for Rural India: A Success Model and Challenges. 2018 International Conference on ICT for Rural Development (ICICTR). IEEE; 2018. DOI: 10.1109/ICICTR.2018.8706860.

Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
Issue 02
Received 22/02/2025
Accepted 07/04/2025
Published 23/04/2025
Publication Time 60 Days
489

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics