Title : "Telemedicine in diabetes care" - experience sharing and insights from diahome app
Abstract:
Transformation of healthcare delivery systems to digital platforms is on the rise. According to studies, the health informatics tools, improve management of chronic lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Various techniques are currently being used to remotely monitor the health of the patients. For people with diabetes, transmission of blood glucose readings, weight and blood pressure monitoring, diet and activity tracking, educational sessions via video conferencing and tele-consultation with doctors are most widely used.
Telemedicine is growing in popularity and numerous apps are available in healthcare management. These apps are aimed at specific treatment portfolios, but very few provide comprehensive and exclusive diabetes care. Presently, there is scarcity of data on the effectiveness and efficiency of mobile apps in managing diabetes.
Diabetes is a medical condition that can be diagnosed and treated using digital platforms rather than requiring extensive testing or hospitalization. Assisted healthcare services, such as physician support, patient education, counselling and laboratory services are now possible through digital communication technologies. In addition to the World Health Organization and other expert committees, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and the medical community have recommended Telemedicine. Furthermore, with the increasing prevalence of diabetes globally, digital healthcare can be a boon in tackling the large numbers which can be both effective and economical. Telemedicine may have disadvantages, but has the potential to reach patients who live in remote areas.
The latest telemedicine tool, the "DIAHOME" app launched by Dr.A.Ramachandran’s Diabetes Hospitals facilitates patients to manage diabetes remotely from the comfort of their homes. The app enables at-home laboratory blood testing, physical examinations, ECGs, fundus examination, nerve conduction, Doppler, along with interactive video consultations with diabetologists and counselling sessions with the dietician and patient educator. DIAHOME has revolutionized the lives of people with diabetes by making it easy to get the care they need from the comfort of their homes. DIAHOME provides need based testing using novel algorithms that track disease progression and help overcome barriers such as cost and time incurred in seeking treatment. Overall, there is a positive impact on adherence among the app-users.
We at Dr. A. Ramachandran's Diabetes Hospitals assessed the effectiveness and long-term viability of the DIAHOME App compared to hospital visits for routine management of diabetes. We observed digital remote support encouraged patients to follow their recommended diet, exercise routines and prescriptions. The DIAHOME app was comparatively superior to conventional hospital based treatment, with regard to achieving glycaemic targets at reduced cost.
Audience Take Away:
- On leveraging technology for optimal diabetes management.
- To improve clinical outcomes through the digital ecosystem.
- To understand various remote monitoring solutions for clinical decision making.
- To adopt digital healthcare with reliability and confidence.
