Tele health in the digital era during covid -19 a case study of Uttarakhand

ABSTRACT

Tele-health services area very old facility available, but it never became a forefront technology or option for patients. During Covid 19 lockdown, when all the hospitals OPD and Private Clinics were closed then there was certainly a need for a therapy that could be available, keeping the social distancing in mind. This study on Tele-health is both a primary and secondary data-based study. The first objective of the study is based on a survey of patients and service providers. The other two objectives are studied through secondary data. Options left for chronic patients were explored, their awareness and satisfaction regarding these options were studied if there is a surge in Tele-health services usage, then what strategies should organizations adopt for the continuous use of these services after covid was also studied. The study shows a surge in the usage of Tele-Health services and remote monitoring of patients. Approximately 80% of the patients have cancelled their personal visits to doctors, and patients' satisfaction rate is more than 70%. A survey on service providers was also carried out, and the satisfaction level of doctors in providing Tele-health services were more than 65%. The study reflects that Tele-health services can be a boon for a state like Uttarakhand, where health services are scarce and were treating patients in remote areas is challenging. © 2021 The authors.