Apollo Medicine (Jan 2021)
Telegenomics: Relevance in India
Abstract
Telegenomics, the application of telemedicine for genetic counseling (GC), has considerable growth potential in the India of today. Increasing awareness of preventive medicine, gradual acceptance of telehealth, and widespread availability of reliable good connectivity make remote GC eminently doable. This India-centric review summarises the necessity and importance of telegenetic counseling. In addition to the review of relevant appropriate current literature in this ultra-niche area, the author brings a holistic view, based on his 22 years of personal experience in the field of Telehealth in India. The communication highlights that whatever can be accomplished in a direct face-to-face consultation can be achieved in a virtual session. Following an overview of medical genetics in India and a global survey of GC, the components of and clinical indications for GC are highlighted. Advantages of telegenomics and training facilities in GC are discussed. The necessity to be future-ready in a changing world of “new normal” contactless medicine is stressed.
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