Role of telemedicine in obstetrics and gynecology: an experience at tertiary care center

BackgroundThe telemedicine/telehealth is well established and rapidly evolving innovation in modern practice of medicine. It is used in nearly every aspect of obstetrics and gynecology. Telehealth intervention may reduce the need for in-person visits amongst high-risk obstetric patients. It is an effective innovation for chronic gynecological conditions.Research design and methodsThis was a prospective, observational study where the online platform 'e-Sanjeevani' was used. It was a health care worker to doctor (specialist) consultation regarding the patient. After an interaction, provisional diagnosis and management plan was made, and an electronic prescription for the same was generated and printed at the patient's end.ResultsA total of 3219 patients were attended in 10 months. The majority of the cases had a gynecological problem (71.5%), with menstrual irregularity being the commonest. Among pregnant patients, consultations for early pregnancy complications were made in 29% of the cases. 5.8% were referred because of some surgical intervention.ConclusionNon-emergency patients who can be managed medically can be prevented from unnecessary visits to the hospital and managed through teleconsultation, which decreases the burden of patient load at the tertiary center.