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

• Main Authors: Limalemla Jamir (Author), S Sathiyanarayanan (Author), Navyakrishna Naidu (Author), Rakesh Kakkar (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Medsci Publications, 2020-06-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.5455/njcm.20200526043917; 0976-3325; 2229-6816
• Keywords: COVID-19; Underserved; teleconsultation; telemedicine; mhealth; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: National Journal of Community Medicine, Vol 11, Iss 06 (2020)

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.