The barriers and facilitators for the utilization of eSanjeevani AB-HWC and eSanjeevani OPD in Karnataka, India

Abstract

Introduction

The National Telemedicine Service in India is provided via two versions of e-Sanjeevani: a doctor-to-doctor telemedicine platform called “eSanjeevani AB-HWC”(eSanjeevani Ayushman Bharath Health and Wellness Center) and a doctor-to-patient telemedicine system called “eSanjeevani OPD – Stay Home OPD.” Patient’s acceptance of Teleconsultation is enforced by the facilitators, which promote effective and convenient remote treatment. However, some studies have identified barriers to teleconsultation services.

Aim and objectives:

To explore the perception of patients and service providers towards utilization of e Sanjeevani program and to determine the barriers and facilitators for utilization of e Sanjeevani program and to know the suggestion to improve the utilization of e Sanjeevani program by users and service providers.

Method:

Employing the PPS sampling method, a cross-sectional study using a mixed method approach was conducted in Government Hospital HCPs and Sanjeevani program beneficiares of four districts of Karnataka. After taking consent, data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire had four parts:

1. Socio-demographic details of HCP’s and Patients who have used e-Sanjeevani
2. Utilization feedback of e-Sanjeevani programme by HCPs and Patients.
3. Barriers and facilitators by HCPs and Patients.
4. Suggestion for improving the e-Sanjeevani programme.

The total of 413 beneficiaries and 312 health-care providers who had utilized e-Sanjeevani program were included in the study.