MEDICAL care, INFORMATION & communication technologies, URBAN community development, INFORMATION science, HEALTH programs
Abstract
Access to timely, quality healthcare is one of the important issues concerning communities in rural India, among many others such as education, safe drinking water, transport, approach roads, and electricity. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has made a significant impact on the functioning of enterprises and urban communities; however, the benefits of ICT are yet to reach rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Pal, Amrita, Mbarika, Victor W.A., Cobb-Payton, Fay, Datta, Pratim, and McCoy, Scott
Subjects
TELEMEDICINE, TELECOMMUNICATION systems, COMMUNICATION infrastructure, DEVELOPING countries, MEDICAL care, PATIENTS
Abstract
Telemedicine (health-care delivery where physicians examine distant patients using telecommunications technologies) has been heralded as one of several possible solutions to some of the medical dilemmas that face many developing countries. In this study, we examine the current state of telemedicine in a developing country, India. Telemedicine has brought a plethora of benefits to the populace of India, especially those living in rural and remote areas (constituting about 70% of India's population). We discuss three Indian telemedicine implementation cases, consolidate lessons learned from the cases, and culminate with potential researchable critical success factors that account for the growth and modest successes of telemedicine in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]