Natl Med J India
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Case Reports Observational Study
Addressing disparities in rural and remote access for rheumatology practice through a transformative tele-healthcare delivery system: Experience of a large cohort of patients in eastern India.
Background We present the experience of telerheumatology consultation services carried out in an eastern state of India. Methods We did this prospective, observational study of patients with rheumatological disorders and followed through telemedicine between December 2015 and May 2019. Results During the study period, we provided teleconsultation to 3583 patients with the help of 11 201 telemedicine visits. ⋯ The cumulative savings of the patients as a result of this service were ₹2.4 crore (24 million). The median travel time saved was 7 hours (30 minutes to 12 hours) per patient per visit and a median of ₹6700 was saved per visit per patient. Conclusion Sustained efforts over a long period can lead to the delivery of essential rheumatology services via telemedicine to an under-priviledged population, reduce the financial burden of the poor, and help women to access healthcare services in remote parts of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
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Background High levels of human HIV and tuberculosis (TB) stigma have been reported among healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods We compared HIV and TB stigma scores reported by nursing students and ward staff from hospitals across India. Transmission worry (TW) and intent to discriminate (ID) for HIV and TB were captured using a validated stigma scale. ⋯ Both groups expressed a significantly higher ID against patients with HIV compared to TB (mean percentage: 75.6 and 70.3 among nursing students; and 81.8 and 78.8 among ward staff; all p<0.001). Conclusion TB stigma has implications for providing quality TB care. Training of HCWs regarding transmission dynamics, the importance of standard precautions during patient care, regardless of diagnosis is essential.
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Background Social media platforms, especially Facebook and WhatsApp, can spread public health information effectively. We aimed to estimate the influence of health-related messages circulated through these social media platforms on health-related decision-making and its associated factors. Methods We did a cross-sectional analytical study among adults (aged >18 years) who visited the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in suburban West Bengal, during July-September 2021. ⋯ A total of 474 (70.4%; 95% CI 67.0-73.9) study participants reported health-related decision-making based on social media messages, whereas 44.7% (301) reported checking the authenticity of forwarded messages or posts or updates with healthcare professionals before making a decision. On adjusted analysis, participants who had secondary education (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.40; 95% CI 1.01-1.94), used both the media (aPR 1.31; 95% CI 1.09-1.58) and checked the authenticity of the messages with a healthcare professional (aPR 1.52, 95% CI 1.38-1.68) were significantly more influenced by the messages, posts or updates received on social media platforms. Conclusion WhatsApp forwards or updates and Facebook posts or updates influence health-related decision-making among the Indian adult population.
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In October 2022, the launch of first year MBBS books in Hindi language in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India kick started the debate on the introduction of Hindi/local language in medical education, which is currently being imparted in English. Opinions have been divided among the supporters of Hindi and local languages as well as opponents of this move. ⋯ Right from infrastructure, human resource, economic impact, academic impact, international effects to legal issues have to be kept in mind and stakeholders must discuss these before implementation. A subsequent reversal of this policy, either through executive orders or judicial intervention, could lead to irreparable loss to students enrolled and trained in Hindi/local language.
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Few medical institutions in India, such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), use the term pre-clinical in their websites and brochures, but many institutions still use the word 'non-clinical'. In my opinion, the non-clinical departments should be renamed pre-clinical departments. ⋯ For example, in Oxford University, the initial instruction in courses such as Anatomy and Physiology is regarded as pre-clinical instruction. Non-clinical departments in western countries are the departments of human resource, accounts and information technology (IT).