Shobhit Swarup
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore
Title: Telemedicine- Current practice and further scope
Biography
Biography: Shobhit Swarup
Abstract
Telemedicine gained popularity and is going through constant innovation in providing medical care in Medical emergencies and chronic conditions. It has emerged as important modality in time sensitive conditions including Stroke and Heart attack, were it can help emergency physicians to directly interact and discuss with specialist and proceed with early intervention. In major trauma, the timely and systematic guided approach online by emergency physicians within early golden hours has been found to have significant impact in saving life threatening emergencies. Studies have shown improved outcome on cardiac emergencies, arrhythmias, sepsis management via online consultation. In oncology patients as well, telemedicine is an important bridge in providing optimal palliative care with pain control in terminal illnesses.
With the aging population, frail elderly patient which can be managed best at home, reducing readmissions and healthcare burden integrated community based multidisciplinary approach under supervision of Geriatrician can be achieved. In big and developing countries with large rural population and geographical area there are limited health resources and doctors. With easy availability of internet and mobile phone, various satellite clinics have been established in rural setup linking specialist service to primary care. There is still wider scope both in Emergency and Community care. The concept of “hospital at home” with doctor-online and nurse-onsite is the need of time. This is not only cost efficient but also keep patient at home preventing hospital acquired disease and de-conditioning. Minor injuries, stable acute medical conditions and chronic diseases can be managed at community-level, with expertise of trained nurses and online consultation with doctors. This includes examination using various digital equipment, investigations and treatment with e-prescription based on doctor recommendation. There is huge potential for further improvement in telemedicine aiming towards saving time, resources and life.