Knowledge and Practice of Telemedicine Among Healthcare Professionals at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Western India: A Cross-Sectional Study


Authors : Dr. Swati Rankja; Dr. Bharati Makwana; Dr. Kalpita Shringarpure; Dr. Dharmi Rankja; Dr. Dhruvi Rankja

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2ypsnuex

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4z243bcs

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb903

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : The rapid expansion of telemedicine has significantly transformed healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income countries like India, where access to specialist services remains uneven. This descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods study, conducted over three months at a tertiary care hospital in central Gujarat, assessed knowledge and practices related to telemedicine among healthcare professionals using the national e-Sanjeevani platform. Quantitative data from 56 participants and qualitative insights from seven departmental nodal officers revealed that although all participants were aware of telemedicine, only 14.3% possessed comprehensive knowledge of all services and half correctly identified all beneficiary groups. While 83.9% were aware of various modes of teleconsultation, only one-third provided comprehensive services including diagnosis, treatment, and counselling, and emergency management was largely limited to referrals. Qualitative findings emphasized the pivotal coordinating role of nodal officers and highlighted operational challenges such as software glitches, connectivity issues, and inappropriate calls. Overall, despite high awareness, significant gaps in knowledge, confidence, and system readiness persist, underscoring the need for strengthened training, improved technical infrastructure, and enhanced administrative support to optimize telemedicine utilization in tertiary care settings.

Keywords : Digital Health, Healthcare Professionals, Knowledge, Teleconsultation, Telemedicine Practice

References :

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The rapid expansion of telemedicine has significantly transformed healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income countries like India, where access to specialist services remains uneven. This descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods study, conducted over three months at a tertiary care hospital in central Gujarat, assessed knowledge and practices related to telemedicine among healthcare professionals using the national e-Sanjeevani platform. Quantitative data from 56 participants and qualitative insights from seven departmental nodal officers revealed that although all participants were aware of telemedicine, only 14.3% possessed comprehensive knowledge of all services and half correctly identified all beneficiary groups. While 83.9% were aware of various modes of teleconsultation, only one-third provided comprehensive services including diagnosis, treatment, and counselling, and emergency management was largely limited to referrals. Qualitative findings emphasized the pivotal coordinating role of nodal officers and highlighted operational challenges such as software glitches, connectivity issues, and inappropriate calls. Overall, despite high awareness, significant gaps in knowledge, confidence, and system readiness persist, underscoring the need for strengthened training, improved technical infrastructure, and enhanced administrative support to optimize telemedicine utilization in tertiary care settings.

Keywords : Digital Health, Healthcare Professionals, Knowledge, Teleconsultation, Telemedicine Practice

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - March - 2026

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