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Volume 13 Issue 12 (December) 2024

Original Articles

Assessing the Impact of Telemedicine on Improving Healthcare Accessibility and Outcomes in Rural Areas
Dr. M Dilip Kumar, Dr. Vijendrakumar J Desai, Dr. Harshkumar Nareshbhai Patel, Dr. Mona Jagdishchandra Pandya

Background: Telemedicine has emerged as a promising solution to bridge healthcare disparities in rural communities, where access to healthcare services is often limited due to geographic and socioeconomic barriers. This study evaluates the role of telemedicine in improving healthcare access and outcomes in underserved rural areas. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, involving 500 patients from five rural communities. Participants utilized telemedicine services for consultations across general medicine, pediatrics, and chronic disease management. Data were collected through pre- and post-intervention surveys, healthcare records, and patient feedback. Parameters assessed included appointment adherence rates, diagnostic accuracy, patient satisfaction, and clinical outcomes. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the data. Results: Telemedicine utilization led to a 35% increase in healthcare access, with appointment adherence rates improving from 60% to 85%. Diagnostic accuracy reached 92%, comparable to in-person consultations. Patient satisfaction scores were high, with 88% of respondents expressing satisfaction with the service's convenience and quality. Clinical outcomes improved significantly, with controlled hypertension rates rising from 52% to 78% and glycemic control in diabetic patients increasing from 48% to 72%. Conclusion: Telemedicine significantly enhances healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities by providing timely and effective medical care. The findings highlight its potential to reduce healthcare disparities and improve population health in underserved areas. Adoption of telemedicine, supported by robust infrastructure and training, can revolutionize rural healthcare delivery.

 
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