The Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC) in New Delhi has released promising findings from its 'DigiSetu' telemedicine initiative, a project designed to improve healthcare access and outcomes for patients with chronic diseases in underserved regions. The findings highlight the potential of digital health solutions to bridge healthcare gaps and ensure better health equity for chronic disease patients in resource-constrained settings.

According to a recent report by PTI, the study evaluated three telemedicine clinics in Tamil Nadu, where combining telemedicine with skilled healthcare providers yielded positive results in diagnosing and managing chronic conditions, especially diabetes and hypertension. Key findings from the study, now published in the BMC Primary Care Journal, reveal that DigiSetu provided services to over 11,000 patients, significantly advancing chronic disease diagnosis and treatment.

The study demonstrated that assisted telemedicine, in which healthcare staff facilitate virtual consultations, can effectively overcome various patient, technology, and system barriers. As a result, patients experienced tangible improvements in their health. For instance, diabetes patients recorded an average reduction of 33 mg/dL in fasting blood sugar levels, while those with hypertension observed reductions of 9.6 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 5.5 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure within nine months of their first visit.

Dr. Arun P. Jose, Deputy Director at CCDC and Head of the BRIDGE Centre for Digital Health at CCDC, as well as a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of DigiSetu's impact on rural populations. "In India, over 65% of the population live in rural areas, with limited access to quality healthcare. The 'DigiSetu' model showcases the transformative potential of assisted telemedicine by not only enhancing access to healthcare but also delivering tangible improvements in patient outcomes," he stated. "Our results demonstrate that technology, combined with trained professionals, can bridge healthcare disparities and pave the way for digital health equity. We are excited to scale this sustainable model, ensuring better healthcare for millions across India and beyond."

The study leveraged various interoperable digital health platforms, including electronic health records (EHR), point-of-care diagnostic tools, and clinical decision support systems, which enabled comprehensive and continuous care. Nurses played a pivotal role by facilitating tele-consultations, which ensured seamless interactions between patients and physicians. Over the 2.4-year period from March 2021 to June 2023, the initiative recorded substantial achievements: more than 11,388 patients accessed care, 59.3% of whom were female. In total, 26,998 consultations and 15,437 lab investigations were conducted, demonstrating the program’s reach and the effectiveness of early diagnosis. Remarkably, nearly 43% of the diabetic patients and 75.3% of the hypertensive patients were newly diagnosed, underscoring the critical role of early detection in chronic disease management.

Prof. Dr. Dorairaj Prabhakaran, Executive Director of CCDC, underscored the need for large-scale adoption of telemedicine solutions like DigiSetu. "To truly transform healthcare and improve lives, we need to embrace technology-driven models like DigiSetu," he said. "By integrating simple, effective digital health solutions into the ecosystem, we can break down the barriers that prevent millions in low-resource settings from accessing quality care. The impact of DigiSetu highlights the need for large-scale adoption of similar technologies to make equitable healthcare a reality for all."

DigiSetu’s focus on early detection, adherence to treatment protocols, and enhanced health outcomes has demonstrated its potential as a scalable solution for improving healthcare in underserved regions. By facilitating access to timely, high-quality healthcare for chronic diseases, the model represents a significant step toward digital health equity.

Since its establishment in 2000, CCDC has been at the forefront of chronic disease prevention, working closely with the Government of India to address the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses. This Delhi-based, non-profit scientific organization has made significant strides in public health, with the DigiSetu initiative being a prominent example of its commitment to supporting patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)