Reaching Out to the Urban Underserved For Continuum of Healthcare during COVID-19 Pandemic Using Available Technologies

Abstract

Background: India is one of the earliest countries to impose Nationwide Lockdown, restricting movement of people in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It has brought a sudden halt to non-COVID-19 health services in terms of consultation, follow-up and access to diagnostics. Objectives: This study was aimed to maintain communication during the COVID-19 lockdown with an underserved community through available and accessible technology. Methods: A total of 32 families residing in the ‘containment zone’ belonging to a minority community were contacted telephonically and enquired about illnesses during the lockdown, access to healthcare, COVID-19 related practices and concerns. They were sensitized about the soon-to-be launched multi-dimensional mobile based teleconsultation application by the Institute. Results: Expressed health needs were doorstep collection of samples instead of having to venture out to health facilities, availability of emergency and routine health care services. Conclusion: A unique model of teleconsultation benefitting the community is proposed.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Underserved
• teleconsultation
• telemedicine
• mhealth