Tele-Health-Newsletter September 2024

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

We are excited to inform you that TELEMEDICON2024 is rapidly taking shape and will be held in Chandigarh from November 28th to 30th, 2024. We encourage all members to register promptly and take full advantage of the ‘subsidized registration fees’ for this prestigious international event. Stay informed about the latest program updates by visiting our official website – https://www.telemedicon2024.com

Happy to report our TSI member Dr.Haleema Yezdani, has been elected to WHO Federated Digital ID for Sustainable Development (FIDES) committee. In this issue, she writes about how this WHO body seeks to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered, tracked, and improved using digital identity systems and health data. Dr.Raghavan, our member has been selected as a Fellow of the Society for Biomaterials and Artificial Organs in India and TSI congratulates him.

As the theme of TELEMEDICON is AI in Healthcare and Virtual Clinic we are carrying articles related to these subjects in the next two issues and the first is on the Evolution and History of AI in Healthcare.

On another note, a recurring issue we face is the lack of proper documentation of our events. Despite numerous reminders, many TSI members who dedicate considerable time and effort to organizing their events do not report or share their achievements in our newsletter. This oversight diminishes the visibility of all the hard work being done.

India still lacks a dedicated digital health journal, and for the past four years, our newsletter has been the sole platform available online for the world to witness the progress in the field of digital health within the country. I urge members to reflect on this and consider the importance of documenting and showcasing their contributions.

Finally, don’t forget to start submitting your abstracts for the conference. Wishing everyone happy festivities!

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
Vice President, TSI

Dr_Haleema_Yezdani

WHO FIDES: Empowering Global Health through Digital Innovation

Dr. Haleema Yezdani
General Physician, Diabetologist
Vice President, HIMSS India
Consultant, Apollo Sugar Clinic Electronic City Phase 2 Bengaluru

The World Health Organization (WHO) has long been a guiding force in global health initiatives, striving to ensure that every individual has access to the highest standards of healthcare. A significant step towards achieving this vision is the Federated Digital ID for Sustainable Development (FIDES), which seeks to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered, tracked, and improved upon, using digital identity systems and health data.

WHO FIDES: A Vision for the Future

The WHO FIDES initiative is designed to support the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by improving the integration of health data across borders, creating robust digital identities for individuals, and fostering more equitable access to healthcare services. FIDES aims to bridge gaps in healthcare, ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable populations are not left behind in the pursuit of universal health coverage.

The vision of WHO FIDES is clear: a world where every individual can securely access their health data, regardless of location, fostering improved health outcomes and greater trust in global health systems. This is achieved through interoperability between systems, data privacy safeguards, and a user-centered approach that empowers patients and health workers alike.

Mission: Transforming Health Systems

The mission of the WHO FIDES project is multifaceted:

  1. Data Integration and Accessibility: To create an integrated and scalable digital identity system that allows health data to be securely accessed and shared across borders, improving the efficiency of care.
  2. Equitable Access: To close the gap between different regions and communities, ensuring equal access to health services for all, especially those in underserved areas.
  3. Sustainability: To establish systems that are not only effective in the short term but are sustainable in the long run, contributing to the health sector’s resilience in addressing global challenges, such as pandemics and health crises.
  4. Interoperability: To create systems that communicate across various health platforms, ensuring that data is shared seamlessly and securely.
  5. Empowerment of Individuals: To ensure individuals have control over their own health data, promoting agency and informed decision-making in healthcare.

My Involvement
With my strong background in digital health, telemedicine, data privacy, and healthcare innovation, WHO wanted me to play a role in FIDES. And help in driving forward the project’s mission of equitable healthcare access through digital innovation.

I have always worked for health equity by advocating for vulnerable populations in global health policy forums. My membership in WHO FIDES focuses on ensuring that digital identity systems prioritize patient confidentiality, while also facilitating the efficient exchange of health data to improve patient outcomes.

WHO FIDES continues to explore innovative approaches to digital health, from telemedicine to digital health wallets, ensuring that all individuals have access to the care they need, wherever they are in the world.

Conclusion

The WHO FIDES initiative stands as a pivotal force in transforming healthcare delivery through the power of digital identity and data integration. With a mission aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and a vision of accessible, equitable healthcare for all, FIDES is shaping the future of health systems globally.

It ensures in merging multiple powerful voices in health care into a single voice under the banner of WHO fides whom everyone can trust.

Dr. Sunil Shroff
Vice President

The Evolution of AI in Medicine: From Early Expert Systems to Modern Breakthroughs

Dr. Sunil Shroff
Vice President, Telemedicine Society of India | Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon

The history of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is a story of innovation, gradual development, and challenges.

It began in the 1960s, when AI’s early focus was on diagnostic support through expert systems such as MYCIN. Over time, the scope of AI has expanded to include areas like predictive modeling, clinical decision support, drug discovery, and administrative tasks, deeply influencing modern healthcare.

Despite these advancements, challenges such as data privacy, ethical concerns, and algorithmic bias persist.

This summary explores the evolution, key milestones, and the future of AI in healthcare.

Early Developments

AI in healthcare took its initial steps during the 1960s with the development of problem-solving programs, specifically expert systems. One of the earliest notable applications was ‘Dendral’, designed for organic chemistry, which paved the way for MYCIN. MYCIN was developed in the 1970s to assist clinicians in diagnosing infectious diseases by recommending antibiotics based on the patient’s symptoms. Alongside MYCIN, systems like INTERNIST-1 and CASNET aimed to help clinicians by providing diagnostic insights, though none of these early systems saw widespread clinical adoption. This lack of adoption was primarily due to the limitations in computing power and the complexity of translating medical knowledge into programmable rules.

Growth of AI in the 1980s and 1990s

The 1980s and 1990s were transformative years for AI in healthcare due to the rise of microcomputers and enhanced network connectivity. During this period, researchers focused on developing AI systems that could operate with incomplete data, thus mirroring the uncertain conditions healthcare professionals often face. Techniques like Fuzzy set theory, Bayesian networks, and artificial neural networks became prevalent. These advancements allowed AI to improve its decision-making processes, particularly in medical fields where data could be ambiguous or incomplete.

AI made its mark in diagnostic pathology through digital pathology tools, enabling the scanning and analysis of microscopy slides to diagnose diseases. This innovation led to AI’s use in diagnosing conditions such as breast cancer, gastric cancer, and hepatitis B. These AI systems not only improved diagnostic accuracy but also reduced the workload for pathologists by automating large-scale data analyses.

Predictive Modeling and Clinical Decision Support

AI in healthcare has seen significant growth in predictive modeling. Algorithms can analyze patient data to predict disease risks and possible outcomes. These predictions are often based on electronic health records (EHRs), which contain a wealth of patient data. For instance, a rule-based AI system could follow decision trees, linking specific symptoms and observations to potential diagnoses.

AI’s ability to use large datasets for predictions has contributed to more personalized medicine, where treatment strategies are tailored to individual patients based on their history and genetic data.

AI has also been instrumental in clinical decision-making. Its role has expanded beyond basic diagnostic aid to include support in emergency departments, where AI algorithms can prioritize cases and reduce wait times by processing data faster than humans.

The 2000s: EHRs and Telehealth Integration

The 2000s marked a critical turning point for AI in healthcare, particularly with the growing adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). The widespread use of EHRs facilitated the integration of AI systems into clinical workflows, providing a vast pool of data for analysis. AI algorithms began using EHRs to predict treatment outcomes, detect disease patterns, and even recommend care plans tailored to patient needs.

AI also began to enhance telehealth services, making healthcare more accessible, especially in remote areas. Through telemedicine, AI-supported platforms allowed real-time monitoring of patient health, creating opportunities for remote diagnosis and consultation. This integration was especially useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the need for virtual healthcare delivery grew.

Ethical Challenges and Regulatory Concerns

Despite the promising advances, AI in healthcare faces significant ethical challenges. A key concern is the lack of transparency in AI decision-making processes, often referred to as the black box problem. Clinicians may hesitate to trust AI recommendations if they cannot understand how the AI arrived at its conclusions. Moreover, algorithmic bias poses another challenge. AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on, and datasets lacking diversity can lead to biased outcomes that disproportionately affect underrepresented populations.

Data privacy is another critical issue. With the vast amounts of patient data needed to train AI systems, safeguarding this information is paramount. Stricter data protection regulations, such as GDPR in Europe and HIPAA in the U.S., are necessary to ensure patient confidentiality. Regulatory frameworks must also evolve to address the liability concerns that come with AI-driven clinical decisions.

Recent Developments and Future Directions

Recent years have seen exponential growth in the application of AI technologies in healthcare. ‘Machine learning’ (ML) and ‘deep learning’ (DL) models, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have significantly improved diagnostic accuracy in areas such as ‘medical imaging’. AI now assists radiologists in detecting anomalies in X-rays and MRIs, speeding up diagnoses and reducing human error.

AI has also made breakthroughs in ‘drug discovery’. Algorithms can rapidly analyze molecular structures and predict how new drugs might interact with biological systems. This capability has the potential to shorten the drug development cycle and lower research costs. AI-driven drug development was notably accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when researchers used predictive models to identify possible treatments.

In the field of ‘robotic surgery’, AI has enabled more precise, minimally invasive procedures. Robots guided by AI can perform delicate surgeries with a level of precision that surpasses human capabilities. Additionally, AI-powered prosthetics and rehabilitation technologies have improved patient outcomes in post-operative recovery and physical therapy, enhancing mobility and independence.

Future Trends and Implications

Looking ahead, AI is expected to play an increasingly central role in healthcare delivery. The integration of ‘precision medicine’—which uses patient-specific data to tailor treatments—will become more widespread as AI systems become better at analyzing complex genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. In ‘telehealth’, AI-driven tools like Chabot’s and personalized health information will continue to improve patient-provider communication and enable more effective monitoring of chronic conditions.

However, to realize AI’s full potential in healthcare, ‘collaborative ecosystems’ between healthcare providers, AI developers, and regulatory bodies are essential. Interdisciplinary partnerships will be needed to address both technological and ethical challenges, fostering a smoother integration of AI into daily healthcare practice.

Conclusion

The history of AI in healthcare is one of continuous progress, characterized by groundbreaking innovations and critical challenges. From its early beginnings with diagnostic tools like MYCIN to its current applications in telemedicine, robotic surgery, and drug discovery, AI has transformed healthcare practices. However, as AI becomes more embedded in healthcare, ethical concerns, data privacy issues, and the need for regulatory oversight will remain crucial. As the technology evolves, striking a balance between innovation and patient safety will be key to ensuring that AI improves both medical practices and patient outcomes.

Mr-S-Rajarajan_200x250

14th HealthCare 360 Summit 2024

Rajarajan S
Group Chief Operating Officer, Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences

The 14th HealthCare 360 Summit 2024, held on 27th September 2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Chennai, was an outstanding gathering of over 150 senior healthcare professionals. Organized by ET Business Consulting, the summit provided a robust platform for industry leaders to engage in deep discussions on the current and future state of healthcare, with a special emphasis on emerging trends and technological advancements. The event saw participation from top healthcare executives, thought leaders, and decision-makers, all aiming to reshape the healthcare ecosystem for a more resilient and patient-centric future.

Event Highlights

Opening Session
The summit commenced with a Keynote Address and Welcome Speech at 9:30 AM, setting the tone for the day. It was followed by a series of meticulously curated panel discussions and networking opportunities. The opening sessions framed the central theme of the event: “Healthcare Vision 2024-2030: Designing, Planning, and Executing the Future of Hospitals.” This session, which ran from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, explored the strategic outlook for the healthcare sector in India over the next decade, including plans for integrating cutting-edge technologies with patient care to elevate hospital operations.

Panel Discussions

The summit featured a diverse lineup of panel discussions, each addressing critical aspects of the healthcare sector:

1. Healthcare Vision 2024-2030: Senior executives, including Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy (CEO, Rela Hospital) and Mr. Rajarajan S (Group COO, ASRAM) and Mrs. Monika Kejriwal Director – Healthcare, RSP Design Consultants (India) Pvt. Ltd. and, contributed their insights on how hospitals can prepare for the future by focusing on innovation and sustainability.

2. Profitability, Social Responsibility, and Clinical Care in Private Hospitals: Held between 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM, this panel delved into the challenges of balancing financial sustainability with ethical medical practices. Executives from KG Hospital, MGM Healthcare, and others shared their perspectives on how healthcare institutions can maintain high clinical standards while staying financially viable.

3. Exploring New Models in Healthcare Delivery: Moderated by Mr. Rajarajan S Group Chief Operating Officer Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences and Dr. Suresh Vishwanathan (Managing Director, SKS Hospital), this session at 12:40 PM to 1:30 PM explored alternative delivery models in healthcare, such as telemedicine, home healthcare, and mobile health units, offering a glimpse into the future of healthcare access in both urban and rural areas.

4. Tech Revolution in Healthcare: The final panel, from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, focused on the latest technological trends, including cloud computing, data security, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). Mr. Venkata Phanidhar (CEO, Medway Hospitals) and Dr. Stephen Mathew (COO, Sringeri Sharada Equitas Hospital) highlighted the role of AI in optimizing patient care and improving operational efficiency.

Networking Opportunities
The summit offered structured networking breaks, including a speed networking session from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM, which allowed participants to establish meaningful connections with industry peers. These interactions fostered collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas among hospital leaders, architects, technologists, and consultants.

Key Takeaways
1. Sustainability and Innovation: The overarching theme was the need for sustainability-driven innovations in hospital infrastructure and operations, with an emphasis on energy efficiency, patient safety, and clinical outcomes.

2. Balancing Profitability and Care: Executives stressed the importance of finding equilibrium between profitability and ethical healthcare delivery, ensuring that patient welfare remains at the forefront of healthcare strategies.

3. Technology as a Catalyst: The consensus was clear—technology will play a pivotal role in transforming healthcare delivery models. From AI to IoMT, digital tools are seen as critical for enhancing both clinical and operational processes in the years ahead.

4. Patient-Centered Approaches: Several discussions highlighted the shift toward patient-centered care, with hospitals focusing on personalized services, data-driven decision-making, and remote care models to meet evolving patient needs.

Conclusion

The 14th HealthCare 360 Summit 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together a formidable array of healthcare leaders committed to shaping the future of the industry. The exchange of knowledge, ideas, and solutions during the summit underscored the importance of collaboration in navigating the challenges ahead. The event not only provided deep insights into the direction healthcare is heading but also created a solid foundation for future initiatives that will define the next era of hospital and healthcare excellence.

The event concluded with closing remarks at 4:00 PM, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to implement new strategies within their respective organizations.

Sep24_image2

Join Us for the Next Healthcare Summit 2024: Innovating for a Healthier Future
We are excited to announce the Healthcare Summit 360 2024,Bengaluru, where industry leaders, innovators, and professionals will come together to shape the future of healthcare! This year’s theme, “Transforming Healthcare Delivery through Innovation,” will focus on cutting-edge technologies, new care models, and solutions to improve patient outcomes, accessibility, and hospital efficiency.

Event Details:
Date: [06.12.2024]
Location: Bengaluru
Theme: Transforming Healthcare Delivery through Innovation
Audience: Healthcare professionals, hospital administrators, technology experts, policymakers, and investors.

Key Topics:
Hospital Infrastructure & Technology: How IoT, AI, and Smart Hospitals are changing the landscape.
Telemedicine and Virtual Care: Revolutionizing healthcare delivery for patients everywhere.
Healthcare Delivery Channels: Innovative models like mHealth, home care, and retail clinics.
Data-Driven Healthcare: Harnessing Big Data and AI for better patient outcomes.
Patient-Centered Care: Delivering healthcare that’s accessible, efficient, and personalized.

Why Attend?
Network with top healthcare leaders and innovators
Gain insights from cutting-edge case studies and expert panels
Explore emerging technologies that are reshaping the healthcare industry
Collaborate on solutions to the most pressing challenges in healthcare delivery

Speakers:
We’ll feature a lineup of renowned speakers, including:
Mr. Rajarajan Sathymurthy, COO, Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences
Dr. Vijay, Partner Integra Ventures
Mr. Deepu Prakash, Managing Partners Aedium Design
Mrs. Monika Kejriwal Director Healthcare Director, RSP Design Consultant India

Who Should Attend?
This summit is designed for healthcare executives, hospital administrators, physicians, technologists, policy makers, and anyone passionate about advancing healthcare delivery through innovation.

How to Register:
Visit https://etbusinessconsult.com/register to secure your spot today.
Early bird registration discount are available until 6:11:2024

Let’s work together to innovate, collaborate, and build a healthier tomorrow!

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

Dr.S.Raghavan

Professor S. Raghavan Elected as a Fellow of the Society for Biomaterials and Artificial Organs, India

Professor S. Raghavan is elected as FBAO in recognition to his lifetime contributions in the area of biomedical engineering, biomaterials, bioMEMS and Nano materials, as evident from his research publications and relevance to patient care technologies.

TSI congratulates Prof Raghavan for this prestigious honor.

To Register for the conference visit https://www.telemedicon2024.com/

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

AI-Powered Systems Sets a New Frontier in Hospital Patient Care

Artificial intelligence ( AI) can help reduce unexpected deaths in hospitals by accurately identifying patients at high risk of health deterioration as per research published in CMAJ…….. Read More

AI-Powered Tutors: A New Era in Brain Surgery Training

Neurosurgery is a demanding field where precise surgical skills are crucial for patient outcomes. While surgical errors are uncommon, they can have severe………. Read More

Stay Energized in a World of Videoconferences

With videoconferencing still a major part of life post-pandemic, as people work remotely, socialize online, and attend virtual events…… Read More

Beyond the Human Touch: The Rise of Robotic Surgery in Orthopedics

Robots have often been portrayed negatively in science fiction and the public imagination, even by the people who invented them……… Read More

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines – A Foundation Course for RMPs by TSI Faculty

To know more about the Telemedicine Foundation Course click on the link below:
https://tsitn.org/tpg-course/

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter August 2024

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

It has been four years since we launched this newsletter, which remains the only official regular publication dedicated to digital health emerging from India. I’ve often considered upscaling this into a journal, provided there’s sufficient interest from our esteemed members and leaders in the field. However, when it comes to publishing, it seems we Indians can be somewhat hesitant—whether due to shyness or perhaps a touch of laziness, I’m not entirely sure. Even sourcing articles for this small publication seems to be challenging.

The recent events in Kolkata have deeply shaken the medical community. The situation is distressing and has also brought to light the harsh working conditions in our government medical colleges, conditions that, unfortunately, have not changed much since I graduated in the 1980s. Please keep the young medical student and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

As we approach the festival season, there are numerous activities related to digital health on the horizon. Some of these are major events, and one could easily attend a seminar or webinar almost every week. Notably, the event in the first week of October by Dr. Rajendra Gupta in Mumbai promises to be exceptional. He has gathered prominent figures in digital health from around the globe, and it will be held at the Jio Convention Centre. Do register and enjoy this digital health feist before our November annual TELEMEDICON.

Wishing you all joyful festivities!

 

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
Vice President, TSI

::TSI Activities from Around the Country::

Smriti-Joshi

Demystifying AI: Reflections from the APA 2024 Panel Event

Smriti Joshi MBPsS
M.phil Clinical Psychology
Chief Psychologist & Member board of Directors, Wysa

Participating in the “Demystifying AI” panel at the APA 2024 conference was both an honor and a significant milestone in my career. Representing the Indian clinical psychologist community on such a global stage brought together years of work exploring how digital technologies, particularly AI, can transform mental health care.

My Journey into Digital Mental Health

My journey into digital mental health began with a realization that the demand for mental health services far exceeded what traditional, in-person sessions could offer. This gap between need and availability led me to explore digital solutions that could extend the reach of mental health care.

A pivotal moment occurred in 2011 during my telemental health certification course. I came across an image that sparked a vision (see below) : using technology to make mental health care accessible to millions. I also remembered what one of my patients had said to me when she met with an accident and couldnt come in for therapy sessions “wish I could speak with you from wherever I am or could access to some support while i was on bedrest” . What began as an ambitious idea has since evolved into a reality, with digital mental health solutions becoming integral to everyday practice.

I’ve been fortunate to be part of the founding team for the world’s first, safest and most evidence-based mental health chatbot- Wysa.,What makes Wysa unique is its emphasis on doing things right—prioritizing domain expertise and ethical considerations over speed to market. Working with cross-functional teams and founders who value this approach has taught me that innovation in mental health isn’t just about technology. It’s about creating solutions that are ethical, effective, and genuinely beneficial for users.

Key Themes from the Panel Discussions

The panel discussions were filled with insights that are shaping the future of AI in mental health care. Here are some of the key themes we explored:

1. Bridging Psychology and AI:

A central theme was how our background in psychology equips us to engage with AI in meaningful ways. Our deep understanding of human behavior, cognition, and ethics positions us uniquely to contribute to AI’s development. However, with AI evolving rapidly, expanding our expertise—particularly in areas like data science and human-computer interaction—is crucial to effectively guiding AI’s integration into mental health care.

2. Enhancing Clinical Practice with AI:

AI holds significant potential to enhance clinical practice, particularly in improving decision-making and personalizing treatment. We discussed how AI can analyze large datasets to offer insights that improve clinical outcomes, such as supporting differential diagnoses and tailoring interventions to individual needs. However, we agreed that AI should complement—not replace—the human element in therapy. The therapist-client relationship remains at the heart of effective mental health care, and AI should support, not undermine, this connection.

3. Psychologists as Active Contributors to AI Development:

Another powerful message from the panel was the need for psychologists to transition from observers to active contributors in AI development. Our expertise in human behavior and ethics is critical in shaping AI tools that are innovative, safe, and ethical. Being involved from the beginning ensures that AI is developed in ways that truly benefit mental health care and adhere to ethical standards.

4. AI for Enhanced Clinical Workflow and Continuity of Care:

We discussed the transformative role AI can play in streamlining clinical workflows and ensuring continuity of care, which can lead to better outcomes for both patients and providers. By taking on routine tasks such as scheduling, follow-ups, and administrative documentation, AI frees up clinicians to focus more on patient care. AI-driven tools can also provide continuous support between sessions, helping maintain therapeutic momentum and improving overall patient outcomes. This seamless integration of AI into the clinical workflow not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to more consistent and personalized care.

5. Addressing Anxiety About AI:

AI’s growing role has naturally caused anxiety among both professionals and the public. We discussed how psychologists can play a key role in alleviating these fears by demystifying AI and helping people understand its capabilities and limitations. By fostering a more informed and balanced perspective, we can help everyone feel more comfortable with AI’s integration into daily life and mental health care.

6. Ethical Considerations and Data Privacy:

Ethics was a major focus, particularly around data privacy and the risk of bias. While AI offers tremendous benefits, it also raises challenging ethical questions. We have a responsibility to ensure that the data used to train AI is diverse, representative, and handled with the utmost care to protect clients’ privacy. These considerations are crucial to maintaining the trust that underpins the therapist-client relationship.

7. Building Evidence and Involving Stakeholders:

Successfully integrating AI into mental health care requires building a robust evidence base. This means continuously collecting and analyzing data to demonstrate the effectiveness of AI tools. Equally important is involving clinicians and service users in the development process. Their feedback ensures that AI tools are not only clinically effective but also practical and user-friendly. We discussed the value of user panels, which include diverse voices, to continually make datasets inclusive and relevant to the populations they serve.

8. Personalization and Inclusivity in AI Interventions:

Finally, we explored the potential of AI to create personalized and culturally adapted mental health interventions. AI can tailor care to the unique needs of each individual, but only if it’s developed with a focus on inclusivity. Without careful oversight, AI could unintentionally reinforce existing biases and inequalities. That’s why it’s crucial for psychologists to work closely with AI developers to ensure these tools are fair and beneficial for everyone.

Reflections on My Learnings

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve learned several critical lessons about what works and what doesn’t in the realm of digital mental health:

  • Ethics and Integrity: Ensuring that digital mental health tools are developed and implemented ethically is non-negotiable. This includes upholding principles like user autonomy, beneficence, and justice.

  • User Safety: Protecting users from harm, whether physical or psychological, is paramount. This means implementing robust safety measures, such as risk management protocols, accurate information provision, and appropriate interventions.

  • Data Privacy: Adhering to data privacy standards, such as GDPR and HIPAA, is essential to building trust. Users must feel confident that their data is secure and that their privacy is respected.

  • Provider Training: Clinicians must be adequately trained to use digital tools effectively. This includes understanding the limitations of AI, interpreting its outputs correctly, and integrating these tools into their practice safely.

  • Collaboration: Developers, clinicians, and researchers need to collaborate closely to ensure that digital mental health tools are safe, effective, and aligned with ethical standards.

  • Evidence-Based Practice: Continuously generating and integrating clinical evidence is vital for ensuring that AI tools are effective and that they contribute positively to mental health outcomes.

AI has the potential to transform clinical psychology and psychiatry by making mental health care more accessible, improving diagnoses, and enhancing patient engagement. But as clinicians, we need to guide how these technologies are integrated into our practice. By staying informed, involving all stakeholders, and ensuring that AI tools are developed and used ethically, we can provide more personalized and effective care to those who need it most.. I’m excited to keep pushing forward, continuing to innovate, and mental health support scalable and permission less.

Advancing Healthcare Through Digital Health & Telemedicine

Mr.D.Satheesh Kumar
Secretary–TSI, Tamilnadu Chapter | Joint Secretary–TSI (National)

Dr. T. Senthil
Vice President, TSI-Tamil Nadu State Chapter
EC
Member-TSI (National)

 

Conference on “Digital Health & Telemedicine” Overview

The conference on “Digital Health & Telemedicine” aimed to explore the evolving landscape of healthcare technology, focusing on the integration of digital health solutions and telemedicine practices. The primary objectives were to educate healthcare professionals on the latest trends, share innovative approaches in telemedicine, and discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with digital health. This event was particularly significant in the post-pandemic era, where telemedicine has become an essential component of healthcare delivery.

Venue and Organization

The conference was held in association with the Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, where all government and private medical colleges and hospitals in Tamil Nadu are affiliated, except for some deemed universities. This collaboration ensured extensive outreach, particularly within the government sector. Special recognition goes to Dr. K. Selvakumar, Past President of TSI & Visiting Professor of the university, and Dr. Sunil Shroff, currently Vice President of TSI, who served as conveners. Their close ties with the university’s Vice Chancellor were instrumental in organizing the event.

The conference took place on Friday, August 2, 2024, at the Silver Jubilee Auditorium of The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai. This was the third time the TSI Tamil Nadu Chapter collaborated with the university to host an event on its premises. Nodal officers in telemedicine from various medical colleges and district hospitals participated, both in-person and online. Directors from Medical Education, Rural Health, and Public Health departments also participated, chairing several sessions.

Inaugural Ceremony

The event commenced with the traditional Thamizh Thai Vazhthu and the lighting of the lamp (Kuthuvilakku), followed by a welcome address by Dr. P. Arumugam, Registrar (FAC) of the university. Dr. Sunil Shroff introduced the conference’s aims, while Dr. K. Narayanasamy, Vice-Chancellor of The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, delivered the Inaugural Address, highlighting the university’s vision for digital health and telemedicine in Tamil Nadu.

Dr. Kim Ramasamy, President of TSI, was the Guest of Honour and delivered the Presidential Address. Dr. H. Ikramulla, President of TSI, Tamil Nadu Chapter, delivered the Keynote Address, emphasizing the importance of telemedicine in modern healthcare.

The event featured seven scientific sessions:

  1. Session I: Telemedicine Application
    – Focused on the university’s vision for digital health, remote patient monitoring, and the integration of payment gateways and digital signatures in telemedicine. Esteemed speakers shared valuable insights.
  2. Session II: Telemedicine Growth & Practice
    – Covered the impact of COVID-19 on telemedicine and best practices for establishing virtual clinics, with contributions from Dr. Subramaniam Swaminathan and Dr. Sunil Shroff.
  3. Session III: Telemedicine Setup & Remote Monitoring Devices
    – Discussions centered on network connectivity, video conferencing, wearables, and other critical devices. Experts like Mr. Ashwin Desai and PadmaShri Dr. S. Natarajan offered their perspectives.
  4. Session IV: Evaluation of Telemedicine & NMC Guidelines
    – Explored the global landscape of telemedicine, its history in India, and associated legal issues. Renowned speakers Dr. K. Ganapathy, Dr. R. Kim, and Dr. Sunil Shroff provided authoritative lectures.
  5. Session V: Telemedicine in Specialties
    – Highlighted telemedicine’s application in various specialties, including Tele-Dermatology, Tele-Cardiology, and Tele-Surgery, with contributions from Dr. P. Manokar, Dr. Sanjay Sharma, and Dr. Murthy Remilla of ISRO.
  6. Session VI: Tele-Dentistry & Revenue Models in Telemedicine
    – Featured discussions on Tele-Dentistry by the Dean of Sri Ramachandra Dental College and a successful revenue model in Tele-Ophthalmology presented by Dr. T. Senthil.
  7. Session VII: Tele-Education
    – The final session explored telemedicine’s role in education, including tele-mentoring and mobile telemedicine vans, with insights from leaders like Dr. Chavan Kalidas, Dean of ESI Medical College, and Dr. Sheila John.

Outcomes

The conference successfully met its objectives, fostering a deeper understanding of digital health and telemedicine among participants. Key outcomes included:

– Increased awareness of telemedicine’s role in improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency.

– Identification of best practices for implementing telemedicine in various specialties.

– Enhanced collaboration among healthcare professionals, fostering an environment of innovation and shared learning.

Innovative Approaches

The conference showcased several innovative approaches, including:

– Telemedicine in Specialties: Sessions focused on telemedicine applications in cardiology, dermatology, and other specialties, providing practical insights into the specialized use of telehealth.

– Tele-Education: Discussions on using telemedicine for uniform teaching practices and examinations highlighted its potential to revolutionize medical education.

The event concluded with a group photo and a vote of thanks by Dr. S.T. Radhiga, Professor & Head of the Department of Medical Education & Curriculum Development at the university.

Conclusion

The one-day conference on “Digital Health & Telemedicine” was a resounding success, providing a platform for healthcare professionals to explore the future of healthcare through technology. The event not only met its objectives but also set the stage for ongoing innovation and collaboration within the field of telemedicine.

Group Photo after validectory function
Photo : L to R :Past President-TSI, Registrar, Vice Chancellor, President-TSI, TN Chapter & President – TSI (National)
Pawan-Gupta

Creating Health Screening Ecosystem for Community Research

Dr. Pawan Gupta
Treasurer, TSI- NCR State Chapter | EC member- TSI Hqrs
Sr. Director (Surgical Oncology) at Max Institute of Cancer Care Delhi NCR | FOUNDER – ICanCaRe Digital Tobacco Wellness program, ICanCaRe Medical Services, ICanCaRe Academy

As part of the AAROGYAM 2024 conference, I was invited as a guest speaker to present on the topic “Creating Health Screening Ecosystem for Community Research.” The session took place on the 9th of August 2024, from 12:30 pm to 01:00 pm.

Key Points Covered:

  • The importance of establishing a robust health screening ecosystem for community research.
  • Strategies for integrating health screening into community settings.
  • The role of healthcare professionals in advancing community health initiatives through research.
  • Case studies and examples of successful community health screening programs.

Outcome:

The session was well-received by the attendees, including healthcare professionals and academic researchers. The discussion sparked interest in developing similar initiatives within their respective communities, aligning with ICanCaRe’s mission to promote health and well-being through research and education.

Follow-Up:

  • Potential collaboration opportunities were discussed with attendees, which may lead to further involvement with ICanCaRe’s initiatives.

Next Steps:

  • Explore potential partnerships with interested attendees to expand ICanCaRe’s outreach and impact in community health screening.

The session was an incredible opportunity to share insights on how we can build stronger health screening programs within our communities, driving impactful research and improving public health outcomes.

AKSingh1-tsi2020-v1

MOU between Academy of Hospital Adminstrators Noida and TSI Rajasthan Chapter

Maj. Gen. Dr. Ashok Singh,
President, TSI-Rajasthan State Chapter | Past President-TSI Hqrs

TSI (Rajasthan Chapter) has signed a MoU with Academy of Hospital Administration (AHA) on 27th July 2024.

AHA is a distinguished autonomous professional organization of highly qualified and experienced industry experts, academicians, and practitioners in the field of hospital and health systems management. The tradition of excellence extends to organizing a diverse range of academic programs, including MBA courses, PG certificate programs, Management Development Programs (MDPs), and focused training initiatives since last 37 years.

Objectives of the MoU include designing and implementing need-based academic research and short-term training courses.

Exchanging MOU with Academy of Hospital Administrators, Noida and TSI Rajasthan chapter
Dr. Shyama Nagarajan (ED AHA), Maj. Gen. AK Singh, Gen. SK Biswas, Dr. Jitendra Sharma, Dr. Yashpal Sharma (President AHA) and GP Capt. (Dr.) Rajiv Pathni

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

To Register for the conference visit https://www.telemedicon2024.com/

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

ChatGPT: A Time-Saving Tool for Handling Patient Queries
A study indicates that the ChatGPT chatbot may serve as an effective tool to save time by addressing patient inquiries directed to the urologist’s office……. Read More

Elon Musk’s Brain Chip Experiment Continues to Succeed
Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk announced that Neuralink is on track to have hundreds of people with brain chips within a few years………. Read More

AI-Powered Body Scanner Predicts Metabolic Syndrome Risk.
Mayo Clinic researchers are using AI and a cutting-edge 3D body scanner, originally designed for fashion, to predict metabolic syndrome risk more accurately….. Read More

AI in Indian Healthcare: The Billion-Dollar Game Changer by 2025
India’s AI healthcare market is skyrocketing, with a projected value of $1.6 billion by 2025. This rapid growth, fueled by a 40.6% annual increase…….. Read More

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines – A Foundation Course for RMPs by TSI Faculty

To know more about the Telemedicine Foundation Course click on the link below:
https://tsitn.org/tpg-course/

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter July 2024

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

The latest news is the shift of TELEMEDICON 2024 from Dharamsala to Chandigarh, to be conducted from 28th to 30th Nov 2024.

This last minute decision was made after much deliberation and discussion. Several issues arose with this remote location selection for a national conference without adequate due diligence. Access to Dharamsala was difficult with skyrocketing airfares, and many members expressed their inability to attend. Additionally, there was a lack of understanding and cooperation on how the conference would be coordinated locally by the Himachal chapter between two major institutions.

Post elections, we had the Budget 2024-25 announcement. And in this healthcare allocation has been almost ₹90,000 crores, with notable inclusions for telemedicine. Under the tertiary care program, funds are transferred to states for implementing various schemes, including:

  • Tobacco Control and Drug De-addiction Control Programme
  • National Mental Health Programme
  • Assistance for Capacity Building for Trauma Centres
  • National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke
  • Health Care for the Elderly
  • National Programme for Blindness
  • Telemedicine

This segment saw an increase in budgetary allocation from ₹276 crores to ₹369 crores.

The National Tele Mental Health Programme aims to provide universal access to equitable, accessible, affordable, and quality mental health care through 24×7 tele-mental health counseling services. As a digital component of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), it covers all Indian states and UTs with assured linkages and received a budgetary allocation of ₹90 crores.

So book your tickets for Chandigarh in advance and start preparing your abstracts!

 

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
Vice President, TSI

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

::Education Section::

KGanapathy_200

Doctor-Patient Relationship in Tech-enabled Healthcare

Dr. K. Ganapathy
Distinguished Visiting Professor IIT Kanpur | Distinguished Professor The TamilnaduDr MGR Medical University | Emeritus Professor National Academy of Medical Sciences | Past President : Telemedicine Society of India, Neurological Society of India, Indian Society for Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery | Formerly WHO Digital Health Expert | Director Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation & Apollo Tele Health Services

1968 : I entered Medical School 56 years ago. Trained in the 20th century, in the BC era my generation would today be considered to belong to the Neanderthal Age.

I injected air into the brain and dyed directly into the Carotid Artery to see if there was any displacement of ventricles or blood vessels in the brain – a surrogate marker for a possible “Space Occupying Lesion”. Tuberculoma and Cysticercosis (growths due to TB and parasites) were as common as benign and malignant brain tumors. Getting the patient’s consent for surgery was a one-sided conversation.

No questions were asked. Such was the faith and trust reposed in the surgeon. The role of the patient and the family in the decision-making process was minimal. We could not share our responsibility with anyone.

I was Amicus curiae and the Devil’s Advocate rolled into one. We entered the brains of our patients even before the surgery, trying to understand what he/she and their families would want, and took a surrogate decision on their behalf, in their interests.

2024: Tomorrow the Digital Health we will be practicing will be 5P (Predictive, Personalized, Precision, Participatory, and Preventive) medicine with AI as a major component. As 80% of the 41 Zetabytes (410 trillion GB) of digital information currently available is unstructured AI will detect patterns and trends, which our gray matter is unable to decipher.

Powerful AI techniques are unlocking clinically relevant information, hidden in massive amounts of data. Wanting to be future-ready and ahead of the curve, are we turning a Nelson’s eye and forgetting our past?

After all, it is NI (Natural, Native) Intelligence that led to the birth of AI. In a world where algorithms make diagnoses, wearables track vital signs, and robots are remotely controlled, to perform surgical procedures, will clinicians of the last century become an endangered species?

Technology today is working overtime to guarantee patient safety and quality improvement. There is already a marked shift in using technology to promote good health. In the next two decades the necessity to diagnose and treat established diseases will significantly reduce. There will be no chapter on “Complications”.

Genomics, radiomics, and specialties hardly existing today will replace many disciplines. The increasing use of a Digital Twin of a patient will enable accurate assessment and a preliminary “ in silico” trial.

We need to remind ourselves that technology is a means to an end, not an end by itself. Proactive measures need to be taken to ensure that increasing the use of technology does not lead to depersonalization and dehumanization.

Sir William Osler’s observations 150 years ago “ — the good physician treats the disease, the great physician treats the patient who has the disease”

“—–Patients don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”

“—Listen, listen, listen he is telling you the diagnosis” is even more relevant today. The world has turned upside down. Very soon a clinician who does not use AI in his/ her armamentarium would appear to have come from another planet!

Terms such as “ trust” and TLC (Tender Loving Care) espoused by my teachers, may soon disappear. Once new technologies roll over you, if you are not part of the steamroller, you are part of the road. The writing is on the wall!

The ultimate disruption will be when what today is termed AI will become ANI, not perhaps in my lifetime but certainly in the lifetime of my children.

The A in AI after all stands for Augmenting, Amplifying, Accelerating, Assisting, and Analyzing in an Ambient milieu.

A smart empathetic clinician using ANI will become smarter. A mediocre clinician using ANI will not necessarily become smarter. The Hippocratic Oath may have to be replaced with a Robocratic Oath.

After all “To err is ChatGPT, to forgive is human !!”

Click here to view the Latest daily healthcare news & updates-Digital Health News

TELEPSYCHOLOGY IN DEVELOPMENT: BOUNDARY ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Dr. Vikrant Mittal
MBBS, MD (Psychiatry, Yale),
MHA (Johns Hopkins), FACHE, FAPA

Ms. Swati
BA, MA, MPhil (Psychology),
PhD (candidate)

The use of technology-assisted mental health services by both practitioners and clients is increasing significantly so the telepsychology clinicians need to get ready to give competent care in this constantly changing service delivery environment. The “Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology” were published by the American Psychological Association in 2013 and, comparable guidelines for therapeutic online work have been published by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) in the UK. The aforementioned advancements highlight the growing fascination with virtual therapy among the counselling and psychotherapy fields. They have cleared the path for “telepsychology,” commonly referred to as online therapy, e-therapy, or e-counselling abroad, to gain official recognition.

The human interaction that is essential in a counsellor’s office is merely not feasible through computers or phones (Maples & Han, 2008). Therefore, in a therapeutic relationship, a lack of physical presence can impede the formation of a therapeutic alliance between the therapist and the patient. Misunderstandings can occur more frequently when there are no visual or auditory cues present, such as body language, tone of voice, or facial expressions. This suggests that boundaries are quite important in telepsychology. Counsellors and clients mostly communicate face-to-face through body language, posture, eye contact, and other nonverbal cues. Reading nonverbal cues is undoubtedly a crucial part of counselling. Since these nonverbal cues are invisible when receiving counselling online, their absence may compromise the effectiveness of the session.

Psychologists today are challenged as ethical decision makers by the ever-expanding development and use of digital technology in their own lives and in the lives of their clients. Boundaries are generally helpful from a clinical standpoint because they help clarify the nature of the therapeutic relationship and assist both the client and the clinician in controlling their conduct in a way that optimizes benefits and reduces risks (Borys, 1994). In addition, boundaries can support various other therapeutic goals such as creating a trustworthy working alliance, teaching the client assertiveness techniques, increasing the client’s sense of value (by honoring their autonomy and rights), and maintaining the integrity of the relationship (Borys, 1994; Smith & Fitzpatrick, 1995). Appropriate boundaries shield physicians from damage in addition to protecting the client.

BOUNDARY RELATED ISSUES
Time-related considerations and issues
Time boundary problems are not unusual in traditional in-person therapies; they usually manifest as early or late session arrivals, session extensions, meeting at strange or inappropriate hours, excessive contact outside of sessions, and booking specific clients for the last appointment of the day (Zur, 2007). These problems can definitely arise in telepsychology contexts as well, and they might even be more common because of the medium’s flexibility, the idea that it is convenient for both sides, and the possibility of a less controlled and regulated work environment.

Aspects and problems connected with settings
The adaptability of telepsychology and the capacity to work at any time and from any location offer one difficulty. Because of this flexibility, therapeutic interactions between clients and clinicians may occur in public places. While social interactions in public places might seem harmless at first, they can have serious repercussions. In addition to putting the client’s confidentiality at danger (for example, by using an insecure public internet connection or inadvertently letting others access the therapeutic discussions), the clinician can face legal and professional repercussions for their actions. Apart from jeopardizing the client’s anonymity, this could potentially undermine the therapeutic gains since the surrounding stimuli could operate as distractions and hinder the client’s ability to fully comprehend the therapeutic material.

Considerations and issues specific to the therapist
Boundary difficulties can also develop in other contexts that are unique to the therapist, such as when the therapist faces challenges to their own self-imposed limits, when they are concerned with language and phrase choices, or when they are concerned with safeguarding their work. Regarding obstacles to one’s own personal limits, specialists may find themselves working at hours that they would not ordinarily work due to the flexibility that telepsychology services allow.

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Be mindful of the session times and observe professional hours.

  • Make sure that feedback is given on time and consistently, and their is control over communication.

  • Establish a Confidential, Uniform, Expert, and Culturally Appropriate Environment.

  • Protect Non-Clients’ Privacy and Avoid Inadvertent Self-Disclosures.

  • Make Sure the Technologies Used for Telecommunication Project Professionalism.

  • Establish Proper Self-Boundaries.

  • Protect the Therapist’s Work Privacy.

  • Speak professionally and take into account alternate interpretations.

  • Assure Competence in Telepsychology Practice

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines, published by the Indian government lately, legitimize teleconsultations. However, there is not much discussion of psychotherapy methods in these guidelines. These evolving psychotherapy delivery technologies will raise an increasing number of moral and legal questions. Concerns regarding the safety of therapists are also raised by the paucity of research documenting instances of harassment experienced by them in virtual environments. Few psychologists are equipped to handle such difficult circumstances since the ethical concerns raised when clients threaten, stalk, or harass their psychotherapists online have typically received little attention in the literature. Thus, both the patient and the therapist will benefit from greater research in this field.

References

Borys, D. S. (1994). Maintaining therapeutic boundaries: The motive is therapeutic effectiveness, not defensive practice. Ethics & Behavior, 4(3), 267-273.

Drum, Katherine B. and Littleton, Heather L. (2014). Therapeutic boundaries in telepsychology: Unique issues and best practice recommendations. Professional Psychology Research and Practice, 45(3); 309-315.

Hudson-Allez, G. (2006). The stalking of psychotherapists by current or former clients: Beware of the insecurely attached!. Psychodynamic Practice, 12(3), 249-260.

Kotera, Y., Kaluzeviciute, G., Lloyd, C., Edwards, A. M., & Ozaki, A. (2021). Qualitative investigation into therapists’ experiences of online therapy: Implications for working clients. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(19), 10295.

Lokai, A. D., Liqiaonan, C., Terry, K., Eubanks, C. F., & Muran, C. (2021). Transitioning to virtual space: Teletherapy in the time of COVID-19. Psychotherapy Bulletin, 56(2), 29-34.

Maples, M. F., & Han, S. (2008). Cybercounselling in the United States and South Korea: Implications for counselling college students of the millennial generation and the networked generation. Journal of Counselling & Development, 86(2), 178-183.

Mateescu, V. M. (2021). Distance and boundaries issues in the transition from face-to-face talking therapy to online therapy in the time of Covid-19. Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai-Sociologia, 66(2), 113-123.

Mondal, I., Anand, N., Sharma, M. K., Kohli, T., Thakur, P. C., Kande, J. S., … & Ajith, S. J.

(2020). Telephonic psychotherapy in India: A reminder of challenges in times of COVID-19. Asian journal of psychiatry, 53, 102432.

Smith, D., & Fitzpatrick, M. (1995). Patient-therapist boundary issues: An integrative review of theory and research. Professional psychology: research and practice, 26(5), 499. Stoll, J., Müller, J. A., & Trachsel, M. (2020). Ethical issues in online psychotherapy: A narrative review. Frontiers in psychiatry, 10, 498439.

Wu, K. S., & Sonne, J. L. (2021). Therapist boundary crossings in the digital age: Psychologists’ practice frequencies and perceptions of ethicality. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 52(5), 419.

::TSI Activities from Around the Country::

Dr. Umashankar S.
Hony. Secretary

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines Training Program

Prof. (Dr) Umashankar S.
Managing Director Med.Bot | Honorary Secretary, Telemedicine Society of India

 

The Telemedicine Society of India organized a Fundamental Course on Telemedicine Practice Guidelines in Madurai at Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre and Aravind Eye Hospitals on June 22nd and 23rd, 2024, respectively. The half-day training program began with a pre-test, followed by a session on “Enhancing healthcare through telemedicine—past, present, and future” by Dr. R. Kim, Chief Medical Officer and President of the Telemedicine Society of India. This was followed by a session on “Telemedicine Practice Guidelines” conducted by Dr. Umashankar S., Managing Director of Arogyayati Private Limited and Honorary Secretary of the Telemedicine Society of India. Dr. Chandrashekar, Head of NABH, led a session on “medical prescriptions”. The program concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session and a post-test.

A total of 92 participants attended the training program in hybrid mode from various locations, including Madurai, Theni, Tirunelveli, Pondicherry, Chennai, Coimbatore, and West Bengal. The attendees comprised doctors, managers, program coordinators, and health workers involved in telemedicine practice. At the end of the program, participants were issued completion certificates. The mean pre-test score was 6 out of 15 and the mean post-test score was 12 out of 15. Analysis of the pre-test and post-test revealed that there was an increase in the knowledge level of Telemedicine Practice Guidelines.

Ankur-Mittal_v1

Webinar on “Urological Cancers – Close the Care Gap”

Dr. Ankur Mittal,
All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh – Urology
MBBS, MS, MCh (Urology)|Secretary, TSI-Uttarakhand State Chapter

Department of Urology, AIIMS Rishikesh in association with Telemedicine society of India UK Chapter has successfully organized a comprehensive Social Awareness Program titled “Urological Cancers – Close the Care Gap” on 13th July 2024 at Main Auditorium, AIIMS Rishikesh to raise awareness and educate the public about urological cancers. The event was graced by the Honorable Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (Retd.), and saw active participation from the medical community, cancer survivors, and the general public.

Objectives
The primary objectives of the program were:

  1. Raising Awareness and Educational Outreach: Educate the public on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for urological cancers.

  2. Promoting Early Detection: Encourage individuals to seek medical advice promptly when symptoms arise.

  3. Support and Empowerment: Provide a platform for cancer survivors to share their experiences and inspire others.

  4. Community Engagement: Foster collaboration between healthcare providers, NGOs, and the public to launch a sustained awareness campaign.

Activities
The event was meticulously planned and included the following key activities:

  1. Inaugural Ceremony: The program was inaugurated by the chief guest, The Honorable Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh, along with AIIMS Rishikesh’s Executive director, Professor Meenu Singh. The ceremony marked the official start of the campaign to “Close the Care Gap”. The Honorable Secretary of Telemedicine Society of India, Mr. Umashankar S. was felicitated by the Organizing Secretary of the program, Dr. Ankur Mittal.

  2. Book Launch and Helpline Introduction: The Honorable Governor and dignitaries on dais unveiled a book on urological cancers, “Hope and Healing,” written in both Hindi and English to cater to a diverse audience. Additionally, a dedicated helpline number (8126542780) was launched to provide information and support to individuals affected by Urological Cancers

  3. Expert Talks: Prominent medical professionals, including Dr. Amlesh Seth (Head of the Department of Urology, AIIMS New Delhi) delivered insightful talks on the prevalence of urological cancers in Uttarakhand, the importance of early detection, and the latest advancements in treatment, including robotic surgeries.

  4. Survivor Testimonials: Cancer survivors shared their personal journeys of battling urological cancer. Their stories highlighted the significance of overcoming hesitation and seeking timely medical intervention.

  5. Interactive Sessions: The program featured interactive sessions where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions to experts and receive detailed answers about urological cancers. This segment aimed to clear misconceptions and provide accurate information to the public.

  6. Educational Material Distribution: Patient Information leaflets (both Hindi and English) about various urological cancers were distributed to attendees, providing crucial information on recognizing symptoms, understanding treatment option, and the importance of regular health check-ups.

  7. Cultural Program: A NukkadNatak (street play) performed by Nursing students of AIIMS Rishikesh creatively depicted the impact of Prostate cancer, engaging the audience in a meaningful way.

  8. New Innovative Technologies: Helpline number was launched via e-curtains and the public could download Patient Information Leaflets and the new book by scanning the QR codes displayed at the venue.

Outcomes
The “Urological Cancers – Close the Care Gap” program achieved significant outcomes:

  1. Enhanced Awareness: The program successfully raised awareness about urological cancers, particularly in the high Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand where the incidence is notably higher due to environmental factors.

  2. Increased Engagement: The launch of the helpline and the distribution of educational materials ensured that the public has continuous access to information and support.

  3. Empowered Survivors: The testimonials from cancer survivors provided hope and motivation to current patients, emphasizing that early detection and treatment can lead to successful outcomes.

  4. Collaborative Efforts: The event highlighted the importance of collective efforts involving healthcare professionals, NGOs, and the community to sustain an ongoing awareness campaign.

  5. Positive Feedback: The interactive sessions received positive feedback from attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with experts and clarify their doubts.

  6. New Avenues: The program has opened up new options of collaborations between TSI, AIIMS Rishikesh and various NGOs for the benefit of patients.

In conclusion, the “Urological Cancers – Close the Care Gap” program, organized by the Department of Urology AIIMS Rishikesh in collaboration with Telemedicine Society of India UK Chapter, marked a significant step towards raising awareness, promoting early detection, and fostering a supportive community for individuals affected by urological cancers. The event’s success underscores the need for continued efforts to educate and empower the public in the fight against cancer.

Glimpses of the event
Raj+Raval

Webinar on “Seasonal Diseases – Rational Approach”

Dr. Raj Raval,
Founder & CEO Entel Healthtech | EC member-TSI Hqrs | President, TSI- Gujarat State Chapter

Date: 29th June 2024

Organizer: TSI- Gujarat State Chapter in association with ISCCM, IMA Gujarat

TSI Gujarat branch has organized webinar on ‘UPDATES ON SEASONAL DISEASES’ on 29th June 2024.

The meeting was well attended by all TSI members. It was also attended by members outside Gujarat.

Dr. Vivek Dave has delivered a talk on MONSOON DISEASES, Dr. Irsan Trivedi has discussed about SUMMER ILLNESSES, Dr. Raj Rawal has spoken about WINTER DISEASES. The webinar is well conducted by Dr. Chinmay Shah.

It was very interactive and informative session.

TSI Gujarat members have discussed about membership drive, various activities and future plans.

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

To Register for the conference visit https://www.telemedicon2024.com/

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

AI-Powered Video Test Revolutionizes Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis
A video-processing technique developed at the University of Florida, utilizing artificial intelligence……. Read More

Healthcare Providers Share Experiences Developing AI for Social Determinants
Social determinants of health refer to the circumstances in which individuals are born, grow, live, work, and age, encompassing
factors such as income………. Read More

Discover the Future of Vein Detection Technology

Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, demonstrated a vein-detecting technology using infrared light in a video on X….. Read More


AI-Powered Nasal Endoscopy: Enhancing Precision and Outcomes

New study investigates how convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can enhance nasal endoscopy accuracy and efficiency…….. Read More

 

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines – A Foundation Course for RMPs by TSI Faculty

To know more about the Telemedicine Foundation Course click on the link below:
https://tsitn.org/tpg-course/

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter June 2024

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

On June 21st, executives from TSI traveled to Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh for the mid-term meeting and CME organized by the state chapter. Dharamsala, truly a paradise, rejuvenated us with its fresh air, complemented by the warm hospitality of the TSI state chapter members.

This newsletter features a report from the meeting. We’ve introduced a new section called “Get to Know Your Member,” starting with a short video link featuring Dr. (Col.) Rita Dadwal, Vice President of TSI’s Himachal Pradesh State Chapter. Watch her inspiring story and share your feedback with us. We eagerly await similar contributions for future issues.

Early bird registration for TELEMEDICON2024 is now open at telemedicon2024hp.com. Start planning and register for the conference today.

Congratulations to Saurabh Bothra of Habuild for achieving a world record on World Yoga Day!

 

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
Vice President, TSI

::Mid Term Meeting & CME of TSI at Kangra, HP - 21st June 2024::

Rita_Dadwal

TSI-Himachal Pradesh State CME 2024 on Telemedicine in Himalayas

Dr. (Col.) Rita Dadwal
Vice President, TSI- Himachal Pradesh State Chapter | Co-Organising Secretary- Telemedicon 2024, Dr. RPGMC Kangra at Tanda

The Telemedicine Society of India, Himachal Chapter, proudly hosted a Continuing Medical Education (CME) event focused on “Telemedicine in Himalayas: Bridging Gaps and Creating Opportunities.” This event aimed to explore the transformative impact of telemedicine in remote Himalayan regions, addressing challenges and unlocking new possibilities in healthcare delivery.

We delved into the intricacies of how telemedicine can revolutionize healthcare in one of the most remote and challenging terrains on earth. We discussed the remarkable potential of telemedicine to bridge geographical gaps, enhance access to medical expertise, and ultimately improve health outcomes for the communities in these remote areas.

Our discussions reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to this cause.

Let us continue to work together, leveraging the insights and strategies we have shared, to bring about a healthcare revolution in the Himalayas. By doing so, we can ensure that even the most remote communities receive the care they need and deserve.

I thank all the participants for your dedication, and your passion for advancing healthcare through telemedicine. Together, we can bridge the gaps and create new opportunities for a healthier, more connected Himalayan region.

Budget ICU: North India’s Largest ICU Network
(Educational Grant for the Meeting)
The success of this CME event was significantly bolstered by the generous support and pivotal role played by Budget ICU. They provided an ‘Educational Grant’ for the meeting and demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing healthcare access in challenging terrains like the Himalayas. Their contribution ensured the event’s seamless execution and enriched the discussions around leveraging telemedicine solutions effectively.

 

Highlights and Key Discussions
The CME event featured insightful presentations and discussions by leading experts in telemedicine, healthcare administrators, and policymakers. Key topics included:

  • Challenges in Healthcare Delivery: Addressing the unique challenges faced in providing healthcare services in remote Himalayan regions.

  • Role of Telemedicine in Bridging Gaps: Exploring how telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, improve access to specialist care, and enhance patient outcomes.

  • Technological Innovations: Showcasing innovative telemedicine solutions tailored for mountainous and remote areas, emphasizing scalability and sustainability.

  • Community Engagement: Strategies to empower local communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers in adopting and benefiting from telemedicine technologies.

Looking Ahead
The success of this CME underscores the growing importance of telemedicine in transforming healthcare delivery, particularly in challenging geographic settings like the Himalayas. As the Telemedicine Society of India, Himachal Chapter, continues to advocate for accessible and equitable healthcare solutions, we look forward to future collaborations and initiatives that will further strengthen healthcare infrastructure across.

Glimpses of the event

TSI Hqrs, EC Members alongwith Vice President Dr. (Col.) Rita Dadwal, Himachal Pradesh State Chapter
Local Organising Committee of Telemedicon 2024 alongwith TSI Hqrs EC Members

::Get to Know TSI Member::

Colonel (Dr.) Rita Dadwal has a distinguished career spanning over three decades, marked by her dedication and service in the Army Medical Corps.

She has extensive experience in Primary care and Emergency Medicine, and hospital administration, both in military and civilian healthcare settings. During her 30-years tenure in the Army Medical Corps, Colonel Dadwal commanded a Field Hospital in high altitude Sikkim in 2002. In this challenging environment, she demonstrated remarkable ingenuity by saving four myocardial infarction casualties using primitive telemedicine techniques. Despite the absence of modern tools Colonel (Dr.) Rita Dadwal (Veteran) like WhatsApp and video calls, she and her team successfully communicated with medical specialists via telephone, interpreted ECGs, and administered thrombolysis. Qualifications: MBBS, DCh, MD, DNB (Anaesthesia and Critical Care) After retiring from the army in 2012, Colonel Dadwal transitioned to the private sector, where she served as the Professional Membership: Hospital Head and Chief Administrator in two hospitals until 2017. Her commitment to advancing her medical Member of Indian Academy of expertise led her to clear NEET in 2018 and join the MD Anaesthesia program a Dr. RPGMC, from which she graduated in 2021. She further enhanced her qualifications by completing her DNB in Anaesthesia in December in 2021. To fulfil the two year post-graduate bond with the state government, Colonel Dadwal worked as a Medical Anesthesia Officer in Anaesthesia at CH Nurpur for three months and at Dr. RPGMC Kangra until October 2023. Currently, she is associated with the Sri Sathya Sai Sewa Samiti in Dharamshala, where she is dedicated to training bedside assistants.

This video captures her inspiring personal story of what drove her towards post-graduations at a age when many of us may think of retirement. Her motivation to keep learning, enhancing her knowledge and serving patients shows her unwavering commitment to serving her patients.

Suman-Bhusan-Bhattacharyya

Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED) Beginner’s Guide: Terminology System Demystified

Prof. Dr. Suman Bhusan Bhattacharyya
MBBS, MBA, FCGP (Hon.) | TSI Life & Fellow Member

SNOMED is a controlled medical vocabulary that uniquely codes (identifies), the unique meaning behind a term. The terms covered range from abscess to zygote – signifying the entire range of healthcare-relevant terms.

To make it human-understandable, a human-readable description is assigned to it that explains the meaning in a simple manner. This description is called Fully Specified Name or FSN for short. A suffix of the semantic tag enclosed in parenthesis is added to the FSN. This represents the domain of the concept and helps in disambiguating it from homonyms, acronyms, etc. Each unique meaning is assigned a unique machine-processable identifier that has a check digit for integrity check by the machine on its own. The meaning is a machine-processable and machine-interpretable information model. The relationships that make up the meaning is what makes all the SNOMED magic happen.

The term’s meaning is an information model, based as a set of inter-related relationships that are encoded using pre-defined concepts. This results in the entire meaning to be machine-processable with even the attribute and values having their concepts defined as machine-processable meanings. The definition consists of at least one “is a” subtype relationship and zero to many attribute relationships. These relationships make it possible to focus precisely on one concept or a group of them.

Every concept has one or more synonymous terms attached to it. The rule is that the terms must have the same meaning as the concept’s definition. These terms can be in any language.

Due to the machine-processability and machine-interpretability of the concepts, they are semantically interoperable. Since the code is able to handle terms belonging to many languages, the language of any clinical document becomes immaterial. A record written in US English can be readily rendered in GB English (the spellings in many instances are different) or Spanish or French or Dutch or Swedish without any additional programming.

SNOMED is the key towards having a life-long digital health record of an individual a reality.

 

For more information youtube video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqJ7wEP_Fbo&t=941s

Saurabh-Bothra

Wellness Startup, Habuild, celebrates International Yoga Day by setting a World Record for performing Yoga with 5,99,162 people

Mr. Saurabh Bothra,
CEO & Certified yoga instructor,
Habuild

The brand invited people of all age groups to take up a 21-day free yoga challenge ahead of International Yoga Day starting from June 10, 2024.

June 21, 2024, Nagpur / New Delhi – As the nation celebrated the 10th International Yoga Day, Nagpur-based startup, celebrated and created a new World Record on Friday, 21st June, 2024. The habit-building wellness platform that focuses on consistency, set a World Record by making 5,99,162 people perform yoga asanas with them. To generate excitement and encourage maximum number of people to be a part of this eventful celebration, the brand conducted a 21-Day Free Yoga Challenge ahead of the International Yoga Day to add to the spirit of the day.

The aim of the habit building and holistic wellness brand, Habuild, is to inspire people from different walks of life to come together in maximum numbers and make yoga a habit. The free yoga option is to encourage people to be motivated to work out and decide to go in for a subscription only once they are sure about being regular. It will be globally recognized as the premier habit-building program, facilitating genuine transformations. With world records and a growing community, Habuild is steadfast in its mission. The company also runs a Diabetes Reversal program, offering affordable and accessible guidance for people with diabetes. They plan to launch a separate Knee Relief Program in the near future. In addition to its programs for adults, Habuild has introduced yoga programs for kids, tailored to their unique needs and interests. This move demonstrates the platform’s dedication to innovation and community service. Not just this, the brand intends to plant 25,000 trees owing to the number of referrals received. The team promised to plant 1 tree for every 5 referrals received prior to the day of creating the Yoga Day World Record. The success of Habuild is a testament to the dedication and passion of its founders, Saurabh Bothra, Trishala Bothra, and Anshul Agrawal, along with the support of a vibrant community.

Habuild is my brain child that intends to change the habits of the masses towards healthy living. My ambition is to make yoga a daily routine in every household across cities. This vision is encapsulated in the slogan #HarGharYoga, aims to make yoga a common practice in every home.

My journey into yoga began not with a desire to get fit but out of sheer curiosity. At the age of 20, I started practicing Surya Namaskar regularly and attended classes to deepen my knowledge whenever possible. Slowly, my love for Yoga kept increasing! After completing my education at IIT, I decided to follow my passion: teaching yoga. Between 2014 and 2020, I traveled across India, volunteering and teaching in cities like Mumbai, Kanpur, Banaras, Delhi, and Pune. With a decade of experience, I founded Habuild, along with two driven cofounders, Trishala Bothra and Anshul Agrawal.

I was happy to see the response on world Yoga day and this time, my expectations truly were surpassed. Nearly six lakh people joined the challenge, with around two lakh participants showing up for the morning batch alone at the early 6:30 am!

I am immensely grateful to everyone who participated in the challenge shared the challenge details with their loved ones, and continue to trust us. It is because of them that we could make this world record possible.

Yoga is creating a significant global impact, and now is the time to make it a habit. Our ultimate goal is to make yoga a household staple in the world of exercise. The theme for Habuild’s 21-day free yoga challenge is #HarGharYoga, a reflection of our mission to make yoga accessible to everyone. This is just the beginning!!”

The ongoing 21-Day Free Yoga Challenge is getting a lot of traction from across the world with Yoga enthusiasts are enrolling from diverse realms of life. Additionally, the wellness brand has grown exponentially in the last 1 year with an increased interest from regions such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Delhi along with many Tier 2 and 3 cities. The participants in the historic event came from 92 different countries across the globe, especially North America, Singapore, Middle East to name a few. This ongoing yoga challenge commenced on June 10, 2024 and it remains open to all participants, free of cost, until June 30, 2024.

The official team of World Records Union invigilated the prestigious event. The officials declared that 5,99,162 participants were part of the event and celebrated the importance of Yoga and well-being on a global scale.

Glimpses of the event

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

Health Technology Assessment: Bridging Research and Policy

Health technology assessment (HTA) plays a pivotal role in shaping modern healthcare systems. As new interventions and technologies emerge, their impact on health remains uncertain. HTA steps in as a systematic and multidisciplinary transparent evaluation process, shedding light on the properties of health technologies and interventions.

Although HTA is critical for policy and funding decisions in healthcare HTA is a relatively new area and there are many misconceptions. For example:

a) HTA is only about technology – It actually covers pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, diagnostics, medical procedures, even administrative decisions.

b) HTA is only about costs – It is a holistic assessment which goes beyond mere clinical effectiveness and economics; it includes intended and unintended consequences of any medical intervention and its social and ethical implications.

Healthcare providers have long felt the need for a programme to help them navigate the complex processes involved in HTA. Similarly, industry, startups and innovators, who are usually focused on technical aspects, need to understand how policy decisions are taken for uptake of their products.

AHA, in collaboration with KIHT and AMTZ, has endeavoured to meet this need through this intense course in HTA. Participants will also get an opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty and policy-makers from ICMR, DHR, NHSRC and AFMC.

 

Save the date: 27-28 July 2024 (Sat-Sunday)

For more details contact: Email: [manageracademics@ahaindia.org]

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

AI’s Role in Detecting Osteoporosis Revealed

Osteoporosis, often dubbed the “silent disease” due to its challenging early detection, may soon benefit from predictive artificial intelligence……Readmore

AI Breakthrough: Accelerating Effective Antibiotic Therapy for Sepsis
Sepsis poses a life-threatening infection complication, leading to 1.7 million hospitalizations and 350,000 deaths annually in the U.S……….Readmore

From Science Fiction to Reality: AI as a Companion!
In the face of a prevalent global loneliness epidemic, a robotics expert proposes that Artificial Intelligence ( AI) technology……Reademore

Telehealth Nurse Case Managers Reduce Blood Pressure in Minority Stroke Survivors
Low-income Black and Hispanic stroke survivors with uncontrolled hypertension experienced a more than two-fold reduction in
systolic blood pressure……. Readmore

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines – A Foundation Course for RMPs by TSI Faculty

To know more about the Telemedicine Foundation Course click on the link below:
https://tsitn.org/tpg-course/

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter May 2024

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

In 2023, global temperatures reached the highest on record since 1850, at 1.18°C above the 20th-century average of 13.9°C. This surpassed the previous 2016 record by 0.15°C. The ten warmest years have all occurred in the last decade (2014-2023). With 2024’s summer expected to set new records, more people may turn to telehealth, a trend I’ve observed in my practice over the past four years.

This issue features an excellent piece from Dr. Ganapathy and Dr. Umasankar’s report on a webinar with Ayushman Bharat. Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand chapters have excelled in promoting telehealth. Dr. Arti Pawaria has launched a commendable 6-month online course with TSI on Nutrition in Clinical Pediatric Practice for Pediatricians, Nutritionists, and Pediatric Trainees.

We look forward to our mid-term meeting on 21st June in Dharamsala, where we plan to officially launch our newsletter under the national banner.

 

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
Vice President, TSI

::TSI Activities from Around the Country::

Telemedicine on Ships

Dr. K. Ganapathy
Distinguished Visiting Professor IIT Kanpur | Distinguished Professor The TamilnaduDr MGR Medical University | Emeritus Professor National Academy of Medical Sciences | Past President : Telemedicine Society of India, Neurological Society of India, Indian Society for Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery | Formerly WHO Digital Health Expert | Director Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation & Apollo Tele Health Services

It is often forgotten that instant access to healthcare is critical in remote isolated locations and areas. Interestingly a phenomenal amount of money and resources are being spent to keep humans on board the ISS (International Space Station) orbiting 400 km above the earth. Health issues of all the 280 humans from 23 countries who have been living in the ISS for the last 24 years ( periods varying from few weeks to several months ) have been addressed and managed.

Air travel today is no longer a luxury. In India, 4.17 lakh passengers board 2891 flights every day. No doubt In Flight Medical Emergencies occur rarely – 7 per 10,000 passengers leading to unscheduled landing (1 for 1 million passengers). Unnecessary diversion causes flight hazards, inconveniences, ↑fuel ↑costs.

Provision of In Flight Emergency Medical Services could therefore be a tremendous value addition. 15 years ago in my enthusiasm as a Telemedicine evangelist I made presentations to the CMO’s of three airlines including the then progressive Jet Airways and even the Director General of Civil Aviation. Perhaps the credibility of the institution which I was associated with and my personal credentials enabled a hearing!! Permission could not be obtained to include Telemedicine equipment in aircrafts for pilot studies. Attempts to do pilot projects on ships also did not materialise then.

It was therefore gratifying to learn that today much water has flown under the bridge (pun intended!). International Labour Organisation (ILO) & Maritime Labour Convention states “—–provide seafarers with medical care as nearly as possible equivalent to care on shore, and to ensure that medical advice by radio or satellite communication to ships at sea is available at any hour of the day or night”. Every ILO signatory nation is bound to have a prearranged system for wireless medical advice available to ships of all nationalities, round the clock and free of charge, also known as Telemedical Assistance Services(TMAS). This network ensures communication through marine radio, email, telephone or fax and in more recent times, via real-time video calls.

The author thanks the Tamilnadu Chapter of the TSI and Amet University for the opportunity given to revive an important topic, not in the main stream of Telehealth.

The Impactful Work of TSI, Tamil Nadu Chapter: Raising Awareness Among Engineering Students – Part 2

Mr. D. Satheesh Kumar, M.Sc (IT), MBA, DECE.
Honorary Secretary–TSI, Tamilnadu Chapter

 

As many in the telemedicine industry know, the Tamil Nadu Chapter of TSI has been actively engaged in a variety of telemedicine initiatives. One of our key efforts has been raising awareness among engineering students by organizing telemedicine conferences over the past eight years at various engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu, including VIT University, KCG College of Technology, RMK Engineering College, Panimalar Engineering College, and Priyadharshini Engineering College.

An interesting event took place in April 2024. After concluding our third telemedicine conference at KCG College of Technology, we received a call from a university authority who invited us to conduct a conference at his university. This invitation was promptly accepted by Dr. T. Senthil, Vice-President of TSI, Tamil Nadu Chapter.

Typically, we reach out to institutions to request their participation in our telemedicine conferences. However, due to the success of previous events, such as those at RMK Engineering College and KCG College of Technology, the demand for discussions on telemedicine grew among engineering colleges. Consequently, AMET University, known for its unique maritime academy courses, extended an offer to host a telemedicine conference.

Despite the challenge of presenting to students not focused on core engineering subjects like Electrical, Electronics, BME, IT, or CS, we accepted the offer and quickly organized the event. With Dr. Sashilatha, Dean of International Relations at AMET University, coordinating as the Telemedicine Conference Convener, everything was arranged professionally, including invitations, program schedules, and technical arrangements.

On April 26, 2024, we held a one-day telemedicine conference titled “Innovations in Telemedicine Technology” at Sri Janakiram Auditorium, AMET University, Chennai, with 300 students and faculty members in attendance. Seven speakers, including three in-person and four online presenters from Chennai, Madurai, Hosur, and Bengaluru, delivered insightful lectures.

I began the conference with an “Overview of Telemedicine,” covering the basics, concepts, purposes, principles, setups, technology, and opportunities, which served as a foundational introduction. Dr. T. Senthil’s presentation on “Role of Tele-ophthalmology” captivated students by showcasing high-resolution fundus photos and discussing remote handling of ophthalmic issues during ship travel.

Dr. Sheila John from Sankara Nethralaya provided an extensive online lecture on tele-ophthalmology practices, emphasizing that distance, whether on land or sea, is not a barrier to treatment. Dr. K. Ganapathy’s much-anticipated talk on “Telemedicine in Ships” highlighted the application of telemedicine on Earth, Sea, and Orbit, sharing his own experiences in remote high-altitude regions.

Mr. Napolean P.C.’s practical session on “Engineering & Demo of TM App” demonstrated telemedicine’s accessibility to the general public. Mr. Aswin Desai, MD of A&T Video Network, inspired students with his extensive experience in telemedicine, including the installation of telemedicine equipment on ships.

Dr. Sanjay Sharma concluded with a powerful lecture on “Role of AI in Wound Care,” showcasing live demonstrations of AI applications in surgical care, which greatly impressed the students.

This event was a unique and enriching experience for both the engineering students and us. It underscored the relevance of telemedicine across various fields, including maritime studies, and highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in this rapidly evolving industry.

Our President, Dr. Ikramulla H., also delivered an inspiring speech on Humanoid Robots and the telemedicine industry, which left a lasting impression on the attendees.

Transforming Healthcare: Navigating the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

Dr. (Prof.) Umashankar S.
Managing Director Med.Bot | Hony. Secretary, TSI- Karnataka Chapter & TSI Hqrs, Lucknow

 

Webinar on Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

Telemedicine Society of India in its constant endeavor to keep members informed about the various initiatives in the healthcare ecosystem, organized an exclusive webinar jointly with the National Health Authority (NHA), MoHFW, on Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) on 30 April 2024 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. This event brought together nearly 375 registered participants, including TSI members, doctors, educators, digital health companies, telemedicine service providers, hospital administrators, and technology enthusiasts from different parts of India to discuss the importance of ABDM.

The webinar kicked off with a welcome note by Dr Umashankar S, Honorary Secretary of the TSI, and opening remarks by Dr R Kim, the President of the Telemedicine Society of India. DrKim Spoke about how ABDM will be the backbone of the digital health infrastructure of the country and some of the benefits and challenges. Mr. Neel Ratan, Advisor NHA Enlightened the participants on the overall scheme of ABDM, its benefits, and its application in different use cases.

Following that, there were 4 presentations

  • Advantages of ABDM for key stakeholders by Mr Himanshu Dhingra, Senior Consultant, National Health Authority

  • Relevance of ABDM for telemedicine & UHI as a use-case by Ms Devika Bhatia, Product Manager, National Health Authority

  • Demonstration of National Healthcare Providers Registry (NHPR) by Mr Kunal Arora, Program Manager, National Health Authority

  • Overall ABDM Integration by Dr Raunaq Pradhan, Product Lead, National Health Authority.

Participants actively engaged with the speakers during the Q&A session, posing insightful questions about implementing ABDM. Key concerns such as data security, training, and interoperability, including telemedicine service providers, to effectively use ABDM were thoroughly discussed.

The webinar received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, who appreciated the informative content and practical insights. Many attendees expressed interest in more frequent webinars and deeper explorations of specific digital health and telemedicine topics.

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) webinar was a resounding success, providing valuable knowledge on ABDM. The Telemedicine Society of India plans to continue this initiative by organizing follow-up sessions and specialized workshops, further supporting stakeholders in navigating and implementing ABDM and reap the benefits for better patient care. This event highlighted the transformative power of digital health and ABDM in healthcare and set a foundation for ongoing dialogue and professional growth in this vital area.

Meenu_Singh

Webinar on Epilepsy unveiled

Dr. (Prof.) Meenu Singh
Executive Director & CEO
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand | President, TSI- Uttarakhand Chapter & Chandigarh Chapter and Past President – TSI

 

The Telemedicine Society of India (TSI), Uttarakhand State Chapter, continued its monthly initiative to propagate medical education on important topics by hosting a webinar on “Epilepsy unveiled.” This report summarizes the key aspects covered in the webinar, including medical and surgical management of epilepsy, the diagnostic challenges and the outcomes of various treatment modalities.

Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affects millions of people worldwide. While seizures can be effectively controlled with medication in many cases, a significant portion of patients experience drug-resistant epilepsy. This necessitates exploring alternative management strategies, including surgery. This report delves into the medical and surgical approaches for managing epilepsy.

The webinar boasted the combined attendance of both Neurology as well as Neurosurgery departments to present the medical and surgical management respectively for epilepsy.

We started with Neurology team discussing about the basic definition, classification and pathogenesis of epilepsy. Case based informative videos were used to show the actual symptoms of various forms of epileptic disorders so that our upcoming healthcare professionals could develop better understanding of the topic. Emphasis was laid on careful and detailed history taking for better prognostication and asserting various treatment modalities to the patients. Then we proceeded to understand the medical management of epilepsy.

Medications remain the cornerstone of epilepsy treatment. The goal is to find an anti-seizure medication (ASM) or combination that effectively prevents seizures with minimal side effects. The selection of an ASM depends on various factors like seizure type, cause of epilepsy, individual tolerability, and potential interactions with other medications.

Various ASMs discussed included:

Sodium channel blockers: Examples include Lamotrigine, Carbamazepine, and Phenytoin.

GABAergic drugs: Examples include Gabapentin, Levetiracetam, and Zonisamide.

Other mechanisms: Topiramate


Next, we discussed on the treatment initiation and monitoring regimens where we concluded that the guidelines were to start with a single ASM at a low dose and gradually increase it to achieve seizure control. Regular monitoring of seizure frequency, blood levels of the medication, and potential side effects was crucial.If a single medication failed to control seizures, a combination of two or more ASMs with different mechanisms of action was warranted. However, this would increase the risk of side effects and the complexity of medication management.

In some cases, additional medications would be used to manage specific seizure types or address co-existing conditions like anxiety or depression.

Further, we talked upon the surgical management of epilepsy where Neurosurgery department commenced by enumerating various surgical techniques available including the ones from the past to the recent advances. Ideal candidates for epilepsy surgery included those having seizures originating from a well-defined area of the brain (focal epilepsy) that can be safely removed without causing significant functional deficits. Pre-surgical evaluation involved extensive testing, including neuroimaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and neuropsychological assessment.

Various surgical techniques discussed included broadly:

Resective surgery:the most common type of epilepsy surgery, involving the removal of a small portion of the brain containing the seizure focus. The specific type of resection depended on the location of the seizure focus. Examples include temporal lobectomy (removal of part of the temporal lobe) and frontal lobectomy (removal of part of the frontal lobe).

Disconnective surgery: Aiming to disconnect the pathways between seizure-generating areas and other parts of the brain, thereby preventing seizure spread. Corpus callosotomy is an example, where surgeons sever the corpus callosum, the main bundle of nerves connecting the two hemispheres of the brain.

Minimally invasive surgery: Newer techniques like laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) use lasers to destroy the seizure focus with minimal tissue damage were also discussed.

Potential complications that were discussed included bleeding, infection, and neurological deficits depending on the location of the surgery.

The concluding remarks emphasized the importance of proper history taking and dedicated workup before assigning any treatment modality to the epileptic patients. The webinar served as providing continued medical education in understanding the technical aspects and guidelines regarding epilepsy management and the recent updates and innovations regarding the same.

Arti_Pawaria

Nutrition in Clinical Pediatric Practice: A 6-Month Online Course for Pediatricians, Nutritionists, and Pediatric Trainees

Dr. Arti Pawaria
MD Pediatrics
PDCC Ped Gastroenterology
DM Ped Hepatology and Transplant
Clinical Lead Senior Consultant, Dept of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Liver Transplantation, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad, Delhi NCR.

 

The Telemedicine Society of India (TSI) is proud to present an overview of flagship continuing medical education (CME) initiative: “Nutrition in Clinical Pediatric Practice.” This 6-month online course, tailored for pediatricians, nutritionists, and pediatric trainees, aims to significantly contribute to enhancing the nutritional knowledge and practices of healthcare professionals involved in pediatric care. Here, we reflect on the achievements and impact of this program over the past year.

Course Overview and Objectives

The “Nutrition in Clinical Pediatric Practice” course is meticulously designed to provide comprehensive education on pediatric nutrition. The course aims to:

  1. Enhance Knowledge: Provide in-depth knowledge about pediatric nutrition, including essential nutrients, dietary requirements, and nutritional assessment techniques.

  2. Improve Clinical Skills: Equip participants with the skills necessary to apply nutritional principles in clinical settings to improve patient outcomes.

  3. Update on Latest Research: Keep participants informed about the latest research and advancements in pediatric nutrition.

  4. Facilitate Professional Development: Support the continuous professional development of pediatricians, nutritionists, and pediatric trainees through an accessible and flexible learning platform.

Curriculum and Structure

The course curriculum is structured into various modules, each focusing on critical aspects of pediatric nutrition. The modules include:

  • Basic Nutritional Science: Covering the fundamentals of nutrients, their functions, and dietary sources.

  • Growth and Development: Understanding the nutritional needs at different stages of child development.

  • Nutritional Assessment: Techniques and tools for assessing the nutritional status of pediatric patients.

  • Clinical Nutrition: Addressing nutrition in specific clinical conditions like obesity, undernutrition, and chronic illnesses.

  • Public Health Nutrition: Exploring the role of nutrition in public health and preventive pediatrics.

Each module is delivered through a combination of video lectures, interactive webinars, case studies and practical assignments, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. Participants have access to a wealth of resources, including reading materials, recorded session sand discussion forums.

Impact and Outcomes

Since its inception, the course has witnessed substantial participation from healthcare professionals across the country. The following are key highlights and outcomes from the past year:

  1. Participant Demographics: The course attracted over 50 participants, including pediatricians, nutritionists, and pediatric trainees from various regions.

  2. Feedback and Satisfaction: Participant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 90% rating the course as “excellent” or “very good” in terms of content quality, relevance, and delivery.

  3. Knowledge Gain: Pre- and post-course assessments indicate a significant improvement in participants’ knowledge and understanding of pediatric nutrition, with average scores increasing by 30%.

  4. Clinical Application: Participants reported increased confidence in applying nutritional principles in their clinical practice, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.

Conclusion

The “Nutrition in Clinical Pediatric Practice” course has been a landmark initiative by the Telemedicine Society of India, contributing significantly to the professional development of pediatric healthcare providers. The positive feedback and tangible outcomes reflect the course’s success in enhancing the nutritional care of pediatric patients.

As we move forward, TSI remains dedicated to expanding and improving this program, ensuring that our healthcare professionals are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the best possible care for children. We look forward to a year of impactful learning and improved pediatric health outcomes through our continued efforts in telemedicine-based education.

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

About the speaker

Dr. K. Ganapathy, well known as a pioneer in Telemedicine is currently associated with educational activities. He serves as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at IIT Kanpur; Distinguished Professor at The Tamilnadu Dr MGR Medical University; Emeritus Professor at National Academy of Medical Sciences; and Guest Adjunct Professor at Columbia University. Formerly, he was an Adjunct Professor at IIT Madras, & Anna University; an Honorary Consultant and Advisor in Neurosurgery Armed Forces Medical Services.

He is the Past President of the Telemedicine Society of India, the Neurological Society of India and the Indian Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery.

In 1990, Dr. Ganapathy became the first in South Asia to get a Ph.D. in neuro-imaging. First neurosurgeon from South Asia to be trained in Stereotactic Radiosurgery in 1995 and later in robotic radiosurgery in 2008. He ventured into Telehealth in 1998.

During the last 49 years, he has presented 616 papers in national conferences and 202 in international conferences, published 133 scientific papers, 208 articles in magazines and newspapers and 24 chapters in text books. He had served as the guest editor for three special supplements of a national and international journal and has also edited a book on Health IT.

He is Member of the Editorial Board of 4 International and 3 National Journals in Telemedicine and Neurosciences. Additionally, he is on the editorial board of 8 and reviews articles for 17 national and international journals.

As a former member of the Program Advisory Committee Dept of Science & Technology and member of BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) Committee, Govt of India, he has considerable experience in reviewing research projects for funding. He was also on the WHO Roster of Experts on Digital Health. He is on the Board of Directors of the Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation and Apollo Telehealth Service. For his full CV please refer https://kganapathy.in

 

About the presentation

Deployment of 5G is leading to a significant transformation of many industries. Traditionally the healthcare “industry” is conservative. Concurrently, there is considerable hype and aggressive promotion of 5G as a use case in healthcare.

This presentation will give a broad overview of the entire landscape of a current topic of interest, highlighting use, challenges and potential of 5G in healthcare. Real world applications of 5G in healthcare and use of Edge Computing with 5G will be presented. 5G will also be compared with 4G and 6G. Specific clinical applications such as use of 5G in simulation labs, tele-mentoring, telesurgery, medical imaging, pre hospital management and use of robots will be touched upon.

While concrete evidence that deployment of 5G actually betters individual health care outcomes is awaited, the information available today justifies preliminary trials using 5G in a controlled environment. The presentation will also address on the challenges in deploying 5G in a healthcare setting.

Please register at https://bit.ly/49VgDnE

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

Artificial Intelligence Revolutionizes the Future of Cancer Therapy
Health experts noted that AI plays an important role from developing new drugs to predicting the treatment outcome and prognosis……Readmore

Bluetooth Tracking Devices Redefine Care Home Standards
Wearable Bluetooth devices offer insights into the care provided to residents in care homes, identifying those requiring increased social interaction………Readmore

Pediatricians Vs. ChatGPT: Assessing Developmental Delays

Cease seeking developmental assessments from ChatGPT for your child. Recent research indicates that AI tools such as ChatGPT…..Reademore

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Alleviating Mental Health Burdens
Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds the potential for providing psychological first aid to address India’s growing mental health concerns……. Readmore

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter April 2024

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

As summer unfolds, the sweltering heat nudges folks indoors or towards cooler terrains like the hills, a trend accentuated by the closure of schools and colleges. Please ensure to take care of yourself as temperatures soar, poised to break new records.

This newsletter reflects a more inclusive portrayal of our community, thanks in large part to the efforts of the TSI central office, particularly Neeraj and Dr. Umasankar. Beginning with this edition, we’re organizing our newsletter content into four main sections: Education, TSI activities nationwide, Announcements, and News. Your contributions are invaluable in documenting our collective endeavors, preserving them for posterity.

Stay updated on the latest developments within TSI as significant initiatives take shape. Let’s stay connected and informed about all that’s unfolding within our community.

Happy Holidays!

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
Vice President, TSI

::Education Section::

SNOMED CT – A Medical Code for Clinical Practice

Prof. Dr. SB Bhattacharyya
MBBS, MBA, FCGP (Hony)

SNOMED CT stands for Systematized Medical Nomenclature for Medicine–Clinical Terminology and is a clinical terminology system that provides a standardized and scientifically validated way of representing clinical information captured by clinicians.

SNOMED CT is a special type of medical coding system called terminology system where the meaning of a term is coded instead of the term itself. It is a controlled medical vocabulary containing standard terms and that codes the concept definition (meaning) of a term. This definition is a formal logical representation of the information that is always necessarily true about its meaning.

This information representing the meaning is modelled as a set of interrelated triples, which encodes it in a structured format thereby making it machine-interpretable. Being always necessarily true under all circumstances, the meaning is interpreted exactly the same way everywhere each and every time.

The information model is made up of the three entities: subject, predicate and object (hence called semantic triples) that are represent the concept’s relationships.

The SNOMED concept model mandates that at least one of the triples must have the concept as the subject, the relationship “is a” as the predicate, and another concept as the object which represents a broader definition.

This makes the subject concept a finer representation or subtype of the object concept. There can be any number of additional triples that are either subtype relationships or attribute relationships, which have different relationship types as predicates.

Example: Appendicitis is coded by its concept definition. Note the three distinct components of each line – together they form the “triple”.

  1. “Appendicitis” “Is a” “Disorder of appendix”

  2. “Appendicitis” “Is a” “Inflammation of large intestine”

  3. “Appendicitis” “Finding site” “Appendix”

  4. “Appendicitis” “Associated morphology” “Inflammatory morphology”

This makes the concept of “Appendicitis” to be a finer version of the “Disorder of appendix” concept (there can be other subtype finer concepts of this like “Appendicular abscess”, “Intussusception of appendix”, “Appendicular neoplasm”, etc.) and of “Inflammation of large intestine” concept (whose other subtype finer concepts would be “Colitis”, “Crohn’s disease”, “Proctitis”, etc.). Incidentally, “Appendicitis” concept has several subtype finer concepts such as “Acute appendicitis”, “Chronic appendicitis”, “Atypical appendicitis”, and more.

As is clearly evident from above, all of the four assertions are always necessarily true of the meaning of “Appendicitis” irrespective of any other consideration.

Combining the above, as per SNOMED CT Expression Constraint Language (ECL), the unique language used to express the concept definition is as follows:

=== 18526009 |Disorder of appendix (disorder)| + 302168000 |Inflammation of large intestine (disorder)| : { 363698007 |Finding site (attribute)| = 66754008 |Appendix structure (body structure)|, 116676008 |Associated morphology (attribute)| = 409774005 |Inflammatory morphology (morphologic abnormality)| }

From the above it is evident that the individual components of the triples are in codes making the entire definition machine-interpretable.

Every concept definition is assigned a unique machine-processable identifier.

Example: Code for Appendicitis is 74400008.

Every concept is assigned a unique human-readable official name that explains the concept in a non-vague manner, which is called Fully Specified Name, or FSN, that has the concept’s domain enclosed in parentheses as a suffix to help disambiguate it.

Example: FSN for Appendicitis is Appendicitis (disorder).

All terms synonymous with a concept’s definition is assigned the same concept code.

Example: Inflamación aguda del apéndice [Spanish], Appendicite [French], blindedarmontsteking [Dutch], Appendicit [Swedish] – all have the same code 74400008.

SNOMED CT also permits the coding of terms without matching concept definitions in a standardised manner, post-facto, for machine-processability and machine-interpretability of user specific or local terms.

The concepts can be constrained, extended, or mapped to other code systems as required. All of the resultant codes will be standards-compliant, making the code system very flexible and customisable.

Example:

  1. Myalgia relieved by analgesic === 706955002 |Pain relieved by analgesic (finding)| : 363698007 |Finding site (attribute)| = 127954009 |Skeletal muscle structure (body structure)|

  2. operable tumour === 128303001 |Surgical removal (procedure)| : 363700003 |Direct morphology| = 108369006 |Neoplasm (morphologic abnormality)|

  3. GC fair === 162669003 |Patient’s condition satisfactory (finding)|

The relationships of the concept definition can be used for in-depth query and its machine-interpretability makes all SNOMED coded information Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) ready – imparts “intelligence”.

Example: Appendicitis has many “is a subtypes” of its own and it itself “is a subtype” of others. These relationships as well as its attribute relationships (assertions # 3 & 4 in the above example) can be used to do semantic search or to generate custom cohorts on-demand or trigger automated follow on action using preset rules like “for all concepts having inflammatory morphology as associated morphology prescribe antibiotics”. Since the code is sufficient for this, on user entry, the required action can be performed by the machine without any further action by the user.

In conclusion, SNOMED CT can be said to be a dictionary of healthcare for machines to “understand” human understandable terms.

Decoding AI: Understanding the Language of the Future – Part 2

Dr. Sunil Shroff
Vice President, Telemedicine Society of India | Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon

 

In the last newsletter we had covered 10 terms related to AI. These were – Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning, Neural Network, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Algorithm, Data Mining, Supervised Learning, Unsupervised Learning and Token.

Here are ten more terms that you should know if you have an interest in this rapidly growing area.

9. Unsupervised Learning: Unlike supervised learning, unsupervised learning involves training a machine using information that is neither classified nor labeled. The machine tries to identify patterns and relationships in the data on its own, like learning without a teacher to guide you.

10. Token: In the context of AI, especially in natural language processing, a token is typically a word or piece of text that the machine uses to understand and generate language. It’s like breaking down a sentence into individual pieces to better understand its meaning.

11. Reinforcement Learning: This is another type of machine learning where an AI agent learns to make decisions by interacting with an environment. It receives feedback in the form of rewards or penalties, allowing it to learn the best course of action through trial and error.

12. Computer Vision: Computer vision enables machines to interpret and understand the visual world, much like humans do. It involves tasks such as image recognition, object detection, and image classification.

13. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN): A type of neural network specifically designed for processing structured grid-like data, such as images. CNNs are widely used in computer vision tasks due to their ability to automatically learn and extract features from images.

14. Recurrent Neural Network (RNN): Unlike feedforward neural networks, RNNs have connections that form cycles, allowing them to exhibit temporal dynamic behavior. They are commonly used in tasks involving sequential data, such as natural language processing and time series prediction.

15. Transfer Learning: Transfer learning involves leveraging knowledge gained from solving one problem and applying it to a different, but related, problem. It allows AI models to be trained more efficiently, especially when labeled data is scarce for the target task.

16. Generative Adversarial Network (GAN): GANs consist of two neural networks, a generator and a discriminator, which are trained together in a competitive manner. The generator generates synthetic data samples, while the discriminator tries to distinguish between real and fake samples. GANs are often used for generating realistic images, videos, and other types of data.

17. Edge Computing: Edge computing refers to the practice of processing data near the source of data generation, rather than relying solely on centralized cloud servers. It’s particularly important for AI applications that require low latency and real-time processing, such as autonomous vehicles and IoT devices.

18. Explainable AI (XAI): Explainable AI focuses on developing AI systems that can explain their decisions and actions in a human-understandable manner. This is crucial for ensuring transparency, accountability, and trustworthiness in AI applications, especially in high-stakes domains like healthcare and finance.

These terms cover a range of concepts and technologies within the field of artificial intelligence, offering a deeper understanding of its diverse applications and methodologies.

Test your Knowledge

A relatively basic quiz to get you started and firm up your concepts. ( Source: www.medindia.net)

1. Question: Which technology played a significant role in the early development of telemedicine?

a) Internet
b) Radio
c) Television
d) Satellite

2. Question: Telemedicine has NOT evolved significantly with the integration of AI technologies.

True       False

3. Question: What is the primary goal of using AI in telemedicine?

a) Optimization
b) Diagnostics
c) Teleportation
d) Treatment

4. Question: Deep learning is commonly used in telemedicine for natural language processing.

True   False

5. Question: What is considered one of the earliest instances of telemedicine?

a) Television
b) Telephone
c) Telegraph
d) Teletype

6. Question: The primary goal of using AI in telemedicine is to enhance healthcare delivery.

True       False

7. Question: Which AI technique is commonly used in telemedicine for image analysis and interpretation?

a) Reinforcement learning
b) Supervised learning
c) Deep learning
d) Unsupervised learning

8. Question: Telemedicine primarily relies on face-to-face consultations.

True       False

9. Question: What is the main purpose of telemedicine?

a) To replace traditional medicine
b) To provide remote healthcare services
c) To reduce the need for healthcare professionals
d) To limit patient access to healthcare

10. Question: AI in telemedicine has led to advancements in real-time data analysis.

True       False

(Find Answers after News Section)

::TSI Activities from Around the Country::

Digital Health: Next Frontier of Modern Healthcare

 

Prof. B.N. Mohanty
Professor Emeritus Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery IMS & Sum Hospital, SOA Deemed to be University Bhubaneswar | Chief Coordinator, Oditelemedicon 2024 | Past President, TSI-Odisha Chapter and Past President-TSI

 

The 12th annual conference of The Telemedicine Society of India (TSI), Odisha Chapter (Oditelemedicon 2024) was organized by TSI, Odisha Chapter in association with IMS & Sum Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar as a hybrid event on 13th April 2024. The venue for the conference was Annex Auditorium, IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar. The theme of the conference was “Digital Health: the next frontier of modern healthcare”. A total number of 101 participants from various districts of Odisha physically attended the conference.19 TSI members attended the conference over virtual platform. The coordinator of the conference was Dr. Prakash Kumar Sahoo from IMS & Sum Hospital, Bhubaneswar.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr. R Kim, President of Telemedicine Society of India. Dr. Pradipta Kumar Nanda, Vice-Chancellor of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar attended the inaugural function as guest of honor. Dr. Ramnath Mishra, president of TSI, Odisha Chapter presided over the function. Annual Report of the chapter was presented by Secretary Dr. Sabyasachi Pattanayak.

The 1st session was on ‘Technology Enabled Health Care- Evolution & Current Practice’. The speakers in this session were Dr. K Ganapathy, past-president TSI from Chennai, Dr. Samir Ranjan Nayak, Professor of Surgery & I/C smart skill lab. from Rajahmundry and Dr. R Kim, president of TSI from Madurai.

The 2nd session was on ‘Health care delivery takes a new shape with technology integration’. The speakers in this session were Dr. Sanjay Sood, project director eSanjeevani from CDAC Mohali, Dr. Sanjay Sharma, podiatric surgeon & wound care specialist from Bangalore and Dr. Niranjan Mishra, Director of Public Health, Govt. of Odisha from Bhubaneswar.

The thematic symposium was held on the theme “Digital Health: the next frontier of modern healthcare” at 2.00pm convened by Dr. S K Mishra, past-president of TSI from Lucknow. The speakers were Dr. S K Mishra, Mr. B K Jain, senior consultant, Population Foundation of India from Lucknow, Dr. Anjali Mishra, Sub Dean, College of Medical Technology & College of Nursing, SGPGIMS Lucknow and Dr. D K Yadav, Assistant Professor, National Institute Health & FW, New Delhi.

The chair persons for different sessions were Dr. I B Kar, past-president, TSI Odisha Chapter from Cuttack; Dr. S N Senapati, past-president, TSI Odisha Chapter from Cuttack; Dr. Srikanta Patnaik past-president, TSI Odisha Chapter from Bhubaneswar, Dr. Sibananda Mohanty past-president, TSI Odisha Chapter from Angul; Dr. R N Sahu immediate past-president, TSI Odisha Chapter from Bhubaneswar.

Faculty members and residents from IMS & Sum Hospital, Medical professionals from other hospitals and medical colleges, TSI members, health administrators working under Govt. of Odisha, Community Health Officers, Nursing Officers from IMS & Sum Hospital, and telemedicine technical personnel attended the conference in-person. Members of TSI including past-presidents, current executive committee members and life members participated in the event over virtual platform from remote locations.

Dean & Medical Superintendent of IMS & Sum Hospital are being felicitated by TSI-President along with the TSI Odisha Chapter Past Presidents
Inaugural Function
Organising Committee of Oditelemedicon 2024

Telemedicine & Health Care Research

 

Dr. V. Thulasi Bai
Associate Professor & Head of Electronics and Communication Engineering Department, KCG College of Technology, Chennai | EC Member, TSI-Tamil Nadu Chapter

 

The 3rd Seminar Series on Telemedicine and Health Care Research was organised by KCG College of Technology in association with Telemedicine society of India-TN Chapter (TSI-TN) on 5th April 2024 at PTR Palanivelrajan Seminar Hall, KCG College of Technology. Dr.Thulasi Bai, Professor, Department of ECE coordinated the overall program.

The workshop was inaugurated through traditional lighting of Kuthuvillakku by the dignitaries of TSI-TN and KCG College of Technology. Dr. Kavitha Balamurugan, Head, ECE department welcomed the gathering. Dr.Ikramullah, President-TNTSI, MD-Ikram Hospital, Vaniyambadi, President – TSI, TN Chapter gave the presidential address. In his speech, he explained the importance and insights of telemedicine and healthcare.

Dr. T. Senthil, Vice President-TNTSI, Director & CEO, Welcare Health Systems briefed about the telemedicine and its application in Ophthalmology. Mr Satheesh Kumar, Joint Secretary -TSI and Technical Head-SRIHER explain the activities of the TSI-TN and telemedicine in SRM hospital.

After the inauguration the following speakers delivered their speech to assure the participants the best experience about the Telemedicine.

The Seminar series was attended by around 100 participants (Students and faculty) which Faculty of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Students of ECE, and AI&DS department. The seminar got very good feedback from the students. The workshop came to an end by 1.00 PM.

The organising team thank Management of KCG college of Technology and Principal for hosting the Seminar and TSI-TN for arranging the eminent speakers for the sessions.

Glimpses of the Workshop

Lighting of Kuthuvillakku
Dr. T. Senthil, Vice President- TNTSI ,Director & CEO, Welcare Health Systems delivering inspiring speech
Mr. D. Satheesh Kumar,Joint Secretary -TSI and Technical Head-SRIHER (DU) during his session
The Group Photo
The organizing team and TNTSI Delegates

Telemedicine in AYUSH: Opportunities and Challenges

 

Dr. Surya Bali
Professor, Department of Community and Family Medicine, AIIMS Bhopal & Chairman of Telemedicine Centre, AIIMS Bhopal | Past Organising Secretary- Telemedicon 2014, AIIMS Bhopal | President, TSI- Madhya Pradesh State Chapter

 

Date: 23rd March 2024
Organizer: TSI- Madhya Pradesh State Chapter
Speaker: Dr. Danish Javed, Senior Medical Officer, AIIMS Bhopal

The event was inaugurated with floral welcome to Dr. Mamta Verma, President Elect, Mrs. Lily Poddar, Vice President, Dr. Sagar Khadanga, Hony. Secretary and all other office bearers of TSI Madhya Pradesh chapter. The event was conducted with both online and offline mode with presence from members from the TSI Head Quarter and the Madhya Pradesh state chapter.

Opening remarks from TSI Head Quarter was given by Dr. Murthy Remilla. He briefed the importance of TSI in current health care practice and particularly among AYUSH practitioners. Dr. Danish Javed, Senior Medical Officer, AIIMS Bhopal was the invited faculty for the day. He presented on the subject of “Telemedicine in AYUSH: Opportunities and Challenges”. He described various case scenarios from his real-life experiences, particularly from COVID pandemic. After his presentation the house was open for discussion. Dr. Nishant Nambisan another AYUSH practitioner and past office bearer of TSI MP, shared his experiences on the challenges of the legalities.

All other participants actively participated in the discussion. Mrs. Ranjana Verma appraised the audience for a possible event on “Tele Nursing care” which is the need of the hour. All other members consented for the proposed event and requested Dr. Mamta Verma for the lead. Treasurer, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, opined regarding a possible membership drive for MP State chapter. The closing remark was addressed by Mr. D. Satheesh Kumar. Mr. Sathessh addressed on the apprehensions on practice of telemedicine in India and abroad. The event was closed with thanks to chair, Dr. Mamta Verma.

Glimpses of the Event

Preventive Radiology and Liver Elastography

 

Dr. Ankur Mittal
Associate Professor and Head, Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand | Secretary, TSI-Uttarakhand Chapter

The Telemedicine Society of India (TSI), UK Chapter in association with Department of Radiology, AIIMS Rishikesh, successfully organized a hands-on training workshop on April 19th, 2024 on Liver Elastography, bringing together medical professionals, researchers, and industry experts. The conference aimed to raise awareness about Preventive Radiology and Liver elastography, a non-invasive technique for assessing liver fibrosis. The conference highlighted the growing role of telemedicine in liver disease management. Experts discussed the use of elastography techniques like FibroScan and vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE) in remote consultations. These technologies allow for accurate liver stiffness measurement, a crucial factor in diagnosing and staging liver fibrosis.

The event also marked the inauguration of the Uttarakhand State Chapter of Indian Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. This will bring interventional radiologists together to provide continuous medical education (CMEs) and provide many such hands-on workshops for better learning of upcoming radiologists.

The conference explored the integration of liver elastography into telemedicine platforms. This would allow for wider access to the technology, particularly in remote areas with limited specialist availability. Telemedicine consultations with specialists could be complemented by liver elastography performed by local healthcare providers, improving overall liver disease management in India.

Presentations emphasized the importance of early detection of liver fibrosis, a condition that can progress to cirrhosis, a life-threatening complication. Liver elastography offers a painless and safe alternative to traditional liver biopsies, making it a valuable tool for primary care physicians and gastroenterologists. Experts addressed the use of liver elastography in diagnosing a spectrum of liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis B and C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cirrhosis.

The conference also featured interactive sessions where participants engaged in discussions and shared their experiences with liver elastography. These sessions fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange among healthcare professionals.

Overall, the Telemedicine Society of India’s collaboration with Department of Radiology, in organising this liver elastography conference served as a valuable platform for disseminating knowledge and promoting the adoption of this non-invasive technology for improved liver disease diagnosis and management.

 

Glimpses of the Event

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

Webinar on Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) on 30 April 2024 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Dr. Umashankar S
Honorary Secretary, Telemedicine Society India (TSI), HQ, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

In our constant endeavor to keep our members informed about the various initiatives in the healthcare ecosystem, we are collaborating with the National Health Authority (NHA), MoHFW, to conduct an exclusive webinar on Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) on 30 April 2024 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

The vision of ABDM is to create a digital health ecosystem for the nation that can support universal health coverage in an efficient, accessible, and safe manner. The mission is expected to improve the effectiveness and transparency of health services in India.

The agenda of the webinar is as under:

1. Introduction to ABDM and its key components: 15 minutes
2. Advantages of ABDM for key stakeholders: 10 minutes
3. Relevance of ABDM for telemedicine: 10 minutes
4. Demonstration of National Healthcare Providers Registry (NHPR): 10 minutes
5. Q&A: 15 minutes

A brief document covering key aspects of ABDM is attached for your reference. Requesting all the members to register for this webinar by filling this short Google form.

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

AI Helps Predict Bedsores Risk In Hospitalized Patients
A new research utilized machine-learning or artificial intelligence (AI) methods to create an advanced model…Readmore

Secure MyCGHS App Launched by Health Ministry
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare unveiled the ’myCGHS’ app for iOS devices, integrating advanced security measures such…Readmore

Accelerating Healthcare With AI-Powered Medical Notes

AI model ChatGPT can draft administrative medical notes significantly faster than doctors, while still ensuring quality……Reademore

Children’s Smartphone Addiction – A Doctor’s Red Flag
Doctors caution against excessive smartphone use in children under 10, highlighting risks to both physical health and behavior…..Readmore

Answers to Test your Knowledge

1. b) Radio
2. False
3. b) Diagnostics
4. False
5. c) Telegraph
6. True
7. c) Deep learning
8. False
9. b) To provide remote healthcare services
10. True

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter March 2024

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

With this edition of the newsletter we shall try and simplify some of the terminologies and the language used for AI. This guide intends to bridge the knowledge gap for those curious about AI’s workings and its impact on the future.

Mr. D. Satheesh Kumar discusses the formation and activities of the Tamil Nadu Chapter of the Telemedicine Society of India (TNTSI). He recounts the chapter’s inception in 2015, its official inauguration in 2016, and subsequent efforts to promote telemedicine among healthcare professionals and engineering students. A significant focus is placed on the integration of medical devices with telemedicine and the application of AI and Machine Learning in the medical field, highlighted by a recent telemedicine conference hosted for students and faculty of the RMK College of Engineering and Technology.

The final segment, contributed by Dr. Vikrant Mittal and Ms. Swati, delves into telepsychology and telepsychotherapy. This part underscores the growth of digital communication technologies in psychotherapy, addressing the technological, social, and economic barriers to mental health services and how telepsychology offers solutions. It chronicles the history of telepsychology services in India, with specific reference to the efforts of SCARF post the 2004 tsunami.

Overall, the newsletter highlights the transformative potential of AI and telemedicine across various healthcare domains, showcasing efforts to educate, innovate, and improve access to care through technology.

 

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
Vice President, TSI

Decoding AI: Understanding the Language of the Future

Dr. Sunil Shroff
Vice President, Telemedicine Society of India | Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we live, work, and interact with the world. From voice-activated assistants to self-driving cars, AI technologies are increasingly becoming a part of our daily lives. But as AI becomes more prevalent, so does the jargon surrounding it. To bridge the gap between complex AI concepts and everyday understanding, here’s a guide to some of the most common AI terms. This list will help demystify the language of AI, making it more accessible to everyone curious about how these technologies work and their impact on our future.

AI Terms

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is like a computer brain that can think, learn, and make decisions similar to humans. It can solve problems, recognize speech, and even drive cars without human help.

2. Machine Learning (ML): A subset of AI, machine learning is when computers learn from data without being explicitly programmed. It’s like teaching a computer to improve at a task by learning from its mistakes and successes.

3. Deep Learning: This is a more advanced type of machine learning involving neural networks with many layers. It’s akin to teaching a computer to think and understand the world in a way that mimics the human brain.

4. Neural Network: Inspired by the human brain, a neural network is a series of algorithms that tries to recognize underlying relationships in a set of data through a process that mimics the way the human brain operates.

5. Natural Language Processing (NLP): This technology helps computers understand, interpret, and respond to human language in a valuable way. It’s what powers chatbots and virtual assistants to understand and reply to your questions.

6. Algorithm: In AI, an algorithm is a set of rules or instructions given to an AI system to help it learn from data. It’s like a recipe that the computer follows to make decisions or predictions.

7. Data Mining: This process involves exploring and analyzing large blocks of information to glean meaningful patterns, trends, and relationships. It’s like sifting through a mountain of data to find valuable nuggets of information.

8. Supervised Learning: A type of machine learning where the computer is taught using data that is already labeled. It’s similar to learning with a teacher who provides you with the correct answers for study examples.

9. Unsupervised Learning: Unlike supervised learning, unsupervised learning involves training a machine using information that is neither classified nor labeled. The machine tries to identify patterns and relationships in the data on its own, like learning without a teacher to guide you.

10. Token: In the context of AI, especially in natural language processing, a token is typically a word or piece of text that the machine uses to understand and generate language. It’s like breaking down a sentence into individual pieces to better understand its meaning.

Inception of TSI, Tamilnadu Chapter and Creating Awareness amongst Engineering Students

Mr. D. Satheesh Kumar
Honorary Secretary–TSI, Tamilnadu Chapter

 

The genesis of the Tamil Nadu Chapter of the Telemedicine Society of India (TNTSI) can be traced back to mid-2015 under the vice-presidency of Dr. K. Selvakumar. The inaugural meeting took place on August 2, 2015, at the Telemedicine Centre, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, setting the stage for the chapter’s formation. Following a series of discussions both online and in person, it was decided that the official launch would occur in early 2016.

Thus, on February 23, 2016, the TNTSI was officially inaugurated at the Government General Hospital in Neyveli, over 200 kilometers from Chennai. This significant event was presided over by the then TSI President, Dr. Biswa Narayan Mohanty, and witnessed by past presidents Dr. L. S. Satyamurthy and Dr. K. Ganapathy. The inauguration was marked by a special Continuing Medical Education (CME) program, exclusively for over 70 doctors from GH-NLC, with additional invitations extended to doctors from nearby Indian Medical Association chapters.

With Dr. K. Selvakumar at the helm, TNTSI embarked on an active campaign to promote telemedicine across hospitals and to raise awareness among engineering students, recognizing their pivotal role in developing medical devices for telemedicine integration. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prohibited gatherings, TNTSI, under the guidance of Dr. Sunil Shroff, successfully conducted the TELEMEDICON-2020 entirely online, showcasing resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

TNTSI’s commitment to expanding its membership base has been vigorous, with over 100 life members and 20 institutional and corporate members from Tamil Nadu.

In its latest endeavor, TNTSI hosted a telemedicine conference at RMK College of Engineering and Technology, Chennai, on March 20, 2024. The event featured six speakers, both in person and online, addressing over 150 students and 20 faculty members from the Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, along with online participants. The conference spotlighted the integration of medical devices with telemedicine and the emerging roles of AI and Machine Learning in the medical sector, sparking insightful discussions among participants.

As TNTSI continues its journey, it remains dedicated to advancing telemedicine and fostering innovation through education, collaboration, and technological integration.

 

Moving Towards a New Era in Telepsychology/ Telepsychotherapy

Dr. Vikrant Mittal
MBBS, MD (Psychiatry, Yale),
MHA (Johns Hopkins), FACHE, FAPA

Ms. Swati
BA, MA, MPhil (Psychology),
PhD (candidate) 


The use of digital communication technologies in psychotherapy has grown, with telepsychology being particularly significant in daily practice. The social perception, application, and demographic profile of telepsychology users, however, have not received enough attention.

The technological advancement of health care delivery and the rise in consumer expectations make it imperative for psychologists to employ new tools and systems in an ethical and effective manner to improve practice, research, teaching, training, and policy. It calls on psychologists to enhance their technical skills, modify conventional psychological services, and use technology to assist clients who live far away.

While some argue that the use of computers as a vehicle for therapeutic transmission may be a novel approach, the theory and practice of non-face-to-face methods of therapy have occurred for decades, including the use of letters and telephone calls (Haas et al., 1996, Padach, 1984). For example, published correspondences indicated that Sigmund Freud utilized letters to provide therapeutic consultation (Freud, 1909) with posthumous articles suggesting that he used letters as an active, indirect mode of communication with his patients.

History of Telepsychology in India
When visiting a healthcare provider, family members of individuals suffering from any illness or condition often experience significant worry. Anxiety begins with scheduling an in-person appointment; it also extends to locating and purchasing prescription medications or going to additional counselling sessions. The history of telepsychological services in India is decades old.

Serving the mental health community since 1984, SCARF is a not for profit organization that offers high-quality treatment and rehabilitation programs. Immediately following the 2004 tsunami disaster, SCARF launched community clinics in the coastal districts of Cuddalore and Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, as part of its first community telepsychiatry effort. The goal was to provide disaster management through psychosocial support and counselling to the victims and their families, with funding from the South Asian Total Health Initiative (SATHI), Bengaluru, and the Oxfam trust. SCARF had to supply the gear in order to implement the service, but ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organization, provided technical support in the form of a partnership that provided free hardware and connection.

Obstacles and Opportunities
Consequently, options that are not possible with in-person services are also provided by telepsychology.

 

  • Geographic barriers: Due to health inequities, physical accessibility issues, and information deficiencies, mental health agencies have found it difficult to provide mental health treatments in rural areas. With the client receiving basic technology training about security, confidentiality, and protocol for access and data management, videoconferencing is now feasible with basic technology access.

  • Financial/Lower Socio-economic status: Individuals face various obstacles, one of them being financial constraints. When organizations scale services, this should be kept in mind from the patient’s perspective of cost.

  • Social isolation: Utilizing telepsychology, people can make a commitment to a progressive reintegration into their social and professional communities This can be achieved by utilizing telepsychology that allows them clinical care in their comfort zones.

  • Attitudinal barriers: Many people do not seek the treatment they require because of fears of shame, contempt, cultural beliefs, family bias, and stereotyping in society. Population may be reluctant to seek assistance. Privacy and protection from outside criticism sources, stereotyping and interactions with people regarding services are provided by telepsychology.

  • Transportation: Transportation hurdles usually consist of high expenses, unreasonable time requirements, or lack of availability. Beyond the cost of the service, financial obstacles might significantly impact the expense of transportation, the time lost from work to get to and from the session would be another factor.

  • Physical Limitations: The appropriateness of telepractice must be carefully considered by clinicians, especially for patients with speech or hearing impairments, language barriers, and cognitive impairments that may exacerbate issues with emergency response, technological proficiency, and confidentiality limits.

Other factors that might impact telepsychology can be limited therapeutic alliance, cooperating, protecting one’s privacy on digital platforms, and policy limitations on the kinds of psychotherapeutic interventions allowed.

Telepsychology: A growth area
Since COVID, there has been an explosion of online psychology providers. Some are formal like Telepsych and Practo platforms, but mostly are unorganized. The effectiveness of telepsychology is well-supported by research and the benefits of e-mental health interventions. For providers they include greater accessibility at any time and location; easier integration of learned skills into daily life due to patients’ active roles; flexibility in working at one’s own pace and reviewing materials as needed.

For patients it leads to better privacy, elimination of travel expenses and time; and potential draw for individuals who do not typically use traditional mental health services. It is a viable and acceptable mode of treatment, according to the limited qualitative research on videoconference-based home-based psychotherapy that examines patients’ perspectives. Patients were able to take less time off from work due to flexible scheduling (Ashwick et al., 2019), and other patients benefited from having more regular contact with their therapist, which improved their participation in their treatment (Christensen, Wilson, et al., 2020). According to Hensel et al. (2020) and Tarp & Nielsen (2017), patients’ sense of control was increased, and access was made easier by allowing others to select whether to attend in person or via videoconferencing per session.

There is established evidence of very positive results when done in tightly regulated environments. For example, using remote videoconferencing to provide telemental health care reduced hospitalization utilization by 25% on average between 2006 and 2010 for a study of 98,000 mental health patients (Godleski, Darkins, & Peters, 2012). So, the rise of social media and the digital revolution all make it possible to forecast the effectiveness of telepsychology and to understand its significant contribution to the provision of mental health treatments. Government measures that are supportive have improved the suitability and success of the telehealth sector.

 

B.M.E. Students of VIT University-Vellore visit at Telemedicine Centre, SRMC-Chennai

Mr. D. Satheesh Kumar
Technical Head – Telemedicine Centre
SRMC, SRIHER(DU), Porur, CHENNAI-116

 

For over two decades, the Telemedicine Centre at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, formerly known as Sri Ramachandra University, has been at the forefront of telemedicine activities. These include tele-consultations, academic collaborations by broadcasting Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs with leading institutions across the country and 48 countries in the African Union, as well as conducting research and providing training in telemedicine for students across various disciplines such as engineering, administration, nursing, and paramedics for over 15 years.

Recently, a group of third-year Biomedical Engineering students, totaling more than 30, along with two faculty members from VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, embarked on a one-day industrial visit to the Telemedicine Centre at SRIHER on March 6, 2024. This visit, covering a 250km journey to and fro, was aimed at offering students practical exposure to telemedicine as part of their curriculum.

During the visit, students were engaged with a PowerPoint presentation covering a wide range of topics including an “Overview of Telemedicine, the Role of Telemedicine at SRIHER, Divisions, the Indian Scenario, Tele-Surgery, Equipment Used, Connectivity, Standards on Imaging & Records, Government Policies, Telemedicine Practice Guidelines, and the Rise of Telemedicine in India during the COVID-19 Crisis.”

Moreover, the concepts of DICOM & PACS were demonstrated in real-time through access to the Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System by our IT team. The session was interactive, with students raising inquiries about AI, Machine Learning, Data Breach, Big Data, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality in the telemedicine scenario, which were addressed with examples by the IT team and external experts. Notes were taken, and a question and answer session was held on each topic discussed.

Following the session, feedback forms were distributed, and students expressed that they had an invaluable opportunity to visually inspect numerous pieces of equipment, devices, Video Conferencing Systems, Servers, Satellite Antennas, Transceivers, Network Switches, Routers, Hubs, LAN Extenders, Video Mixers, ISDN Multiplexers, Connectors, Converters, and WiFi Transceivers all within a single Telemedicine Centre. They acknowledged gaining practical knowledge that would significantly enhance their understanding of theoretical concepts.

Odisha Chapter organising State level conference


The 12th Annual Conference of The Telemedicine Society of India(TSI), Odisha Chapter( Oditelemedicon 2024) will be organized on 13th April 2024 at IMS & Sum Hospital, Siksha ‘O’Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024. About 150 medical professionals are expected to attend this event.

The theme of the conference is “Digital Health: the next frontier of modern healthcare’. It will be a hybrid event. The scientific event would be consisting of guest lectures, institutional reports, new innovations and the theme symposium.Users from different regions of the country will participate in the conference, some in-person and others over virtual platform to share their experiences and thoughts.

This event is likely to offer an opportunity to healthcare professionals, health administrators, telehealth service providers, engineers, hardware & software developers,students and researchers to listen, interact and share their views.

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

 

AI Smartphone App Ensures Precision in Ear Infection Diagnoses

Scientists have created a novel mobile app utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for precise diagnosis of ear infections…Readmore

AI-Powered Hearing Aids: A Breakthrough for Hearing Loss
AI-driven hearing devices can revolutionize solutions for individuals with hearing impairment, said experts… Readmore

The Future of Orthodontic Care: AI Revolutionizes Dental Braces

Dental braces have long been a standard treatment for correcting misaligned teeth, but they often come with challenges such as discomfort…..Reademore

AI Reveals Subtypes in Prostate Cancer, Enhancing Treatment
Artificial intelligence successfully detected the emergence of two subtypes within prostate cancer, leading to the identification of two distinct…..Readmore

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter February 2024

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

February was relatively quiet in terms of events, with the notable exception of the 11th edition of Transforming Healthcare with IT, held in Bangalore. The new office bearers of TSI (Telemedicine Society of India), have been meeting virtually every month, led by Dr. Kim, to improve processes and systems, which are expected to be implemented soon.


Thank You

Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
Vice President, TSI

 

A Conference with a Difference!

Dr. K. Ganapathy
Chairman, Scientific Committee THIT 2024 | Distinguished Visiting Professor IIT Kanpur | Distinguished Professor The Tamilnadu Dr MGR Medical University | Emeritus Professor National Academy of Medical Sciences | Adjunct Professor, SIPA Columbia University | Director Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation &, Apollo Tele Health Services

Just as a calf likes to suckle, so too does the cow like to be suckled !! The greatest incentive for conference organisers to persist in their efforts, is the attendance and the feedback. 13 years ago when Dr Sangita Reddy mooted the idea of a conference on “ Transforming Healthcare with IT” we realised that we were too far ahead of the time. A conference on a then non existing subject required considerable conviction ! 200 hundred years ago Victor Hugo had remarked “ Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come”. THIT 2024 has proved that. Last week we reached that critical mass essential for a successful take off. 1667 registrants – young and old, converted and to be converted had an opportunity to directly listen to 67 speakers https://www.transformhealth-it.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/11thTHIT-2024_-Agenda.pdf (combined experience of more than 1600 years !!) from 8 different countries.

Cutting Edge topics discussed included Climate change &Telehealth, panel discussions on Bench to Bedside, Healthcare in Outer space, Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, AI deployment, changing trends in technology, Innovations in Digital health etc. It was wonderful to see national and global authorities adhere to the 720 seconds given to them – after all when you have mastered your subject you can communicate the essence as a Take Home Message. Time management was incredible. More than 1000 virtual attendees logged in to partake in 20 hours of unadulterated wisdom. We deliberately had no parallel sessions. Opportunity to display ePosters was also available.

Visits to 31 stalls enabled the attendees to see, touch, feel and understand that what appeared like science fiction, was indeed a cost effective customised available reality ! In keeping with the times everything was App based including a Quiz program and Treasure Hunt . Of course a QR code was essential for plates for lunch !. Large number of contestants for the 8 awards and for the 36 hour Solvathon marathon held in conjunction with IITACB indicates that THIT has truly arrived. This would not have been possible but for a fantabulous set of volunteers who did not want to follow high standards. They believed in setting them ! We no longer strive to achieve world class. We want the world to strive to achieve India class !! A big thank you again to the core committee of Dr Sangita Reddy, Vikram Thaploo. Dr Sujoy kar, Dr Sai Praveen Haranath, Ashokkan and Aashish Kumar Jain.

Fig 1 Joint Inauguration of Twin Conferences (THIT & IPS)
Fig 2 Keynote address and Panel discussion on Bench to Bedside
Fig 3 A truly green eco friendly conference
Fig 4 Screen shots from delegate APP 1
Fig 5 Screen shots from delegate APP 2
Fig 6 Audience participation Q & A thro APP
HCIT Hackathon 5 problem statements 14 teams 87 participants held at IITACB
Murthy-Remilla

TSI‘s participation in Australian Delegation of Doctors on Study tour to India

Dr. Murthy Remilla
Member and Hon Sec from 2019 -2023 – Telemedicine Society of India(TSI)

 

Australian Doctors Business Academy (ADBA) is an Evidence-based best practice educational platform designed for doctors and their needs at the centre. ADBA utilises a unique delivery model to cover critical topics not routinely canvassed in medical education curriculum.

ADBA under the leadership of Dr. Sayanta Jana has recently organised “The International, Digital Healthcare Study Tour” at Chennai, India during Jan3-6,2024. The Australian delegation of Doctors included eminent medical specialists from a range of specialties from all over Australia. This included senior medical executives, Medical administrators, general practitioners, paediatricians, ophthalmologists, Intensive care specialists, and others. The group also had a representation from several founders and CEOs of various Australian MedTech and digital healthcare startup companies.

The study tour attracted the attention of major tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon AWS, whose representatives from India, Melbourne and California presented their latest developments in terms of Generative AI, latest advances in medical tech and digital healthcare. Australian major startups like ConsultMed and HolaHealth showcased their tech innovations in the clinical space. There were very valuable presentations provided by Apollo Telehealth, Telemedicine Society of India, Sankara Nethralaya and IIT Madras, that made the study tour content very spectacular. Dr Murthy Remilla from Bangalore and Dr. Sheila John from Chennai are the two important delegates and speakers from Telemedicine Society of India (TSI) in the Conference dwelling on the aspects of Government initiatives in the file of Telemedicine & Digital Helath and Telemedicine for opthalmology, respectively.

ADBA has a high profile academic faculty team that supports our ADBA curriculum, workshops and courses built on years of expertise from hundreds of course facilitators and real life experiences of our course participants. ADBA provides participants with recipes for success that are not usually part of medical education curriculum.

ADBA curriculum and courses are contemporary and evolve every year in an ever-changing environment to keep the alumni engaged. We take you back to the foundations of education and learning in relaxed settings that are in sync with your profession, lifestyle and social needs.

The Study Tour was based at Taj Coromandel, Chennai and had an intensive 3 days program.

Delegates of this Study Tour were able to achieve a few key learning objectives as below.

  1. Identify potential benefits and risks of the use of generative AI technology in the context of the current Australian healthcare system including primary care medicine.

  2. Describe what mixed reality technology is and how it can be applied to enhancing management of patients and medical education provision.

  3. Describe how AI technology has been used in models of care in some key clinical specialties for diagnosis of disease and in the identification of underlying causes and how these learnings can be extrapolated to all other clinical disciplines.

  4. Outline suitable scenarios where the use of medical wearable technology can be applied for optimising data collection and patient care.

  5. Demonstrate pathways for development of innovative technologies in the area of medical care, from diagnosis to management.

The concept of the study tour format is a close-knot group learning format over various presentations, for a limited group of eager participants, designed to elicit new ideas (using the digital healthcare theme) to ensure delegates can take away suitable lessons learnt to their individual professional practices – be it as a clinical practitioner one may take away new ideas to their clinical specialty or as a commercial/digital tech lead and innovator, one may have a bright business idea that needs a push – and this network over the few days gave such a platform for that. In this small group a mix of clinicians, tech experts, investors and serious tech innovators are all very helpful for the delegates as future mentors and key contacts when one becomes an alumni of ADBA.

The study tour began with a cultural immersion for Australian delegates organised by Dr. Murthy Remilla from Tsi, Bangalore; a short concert by Dr Charulata Mani. Dr Mani is an acclaimed Indian Classical Singer and completed her PhD and Post Doc from University of Queensland (currently also visiting professor at UQ) and now settled in US. She is currently touring India and coincidentally currently in Chennai. More than a classical singer, she is an ethnomusicologist. The beauty is in her Youtube programme series called “Isai Payanam”. She explains the notations and special singing styles performed by different artists in that raga and also what are all the songs set to that tune and how and which movie songs are based on that tune and how it was used in Hindustani music etc.; thus takes along the audience instead of going on singing in her own way!

The second day was concluded by a very interesting Apollo Hospital tour where Apollo digital tech executives and medical directors showcased their technology innovations that impressed the group quite a bit even when compared to the Australian landscape. Various surgeons from orthopaedics, upper GI, Urology and Colorectal, showcased their robotic surgery capabilities and achievements, the sheer volume of robotic surgery being very impressive.

At a formal dinner at ITC Grand Chola, TN IT Minister PTR as well as Western Australian MLA Dr Jags Krishnan, spoke at length about their own leadership journey as leaders, entrepreneurs, and provided insights to the audience in terms of their own experiences and lessons learnt in a very candid session that really warmed up the delegation.

The delegates finished off the study tour by a very delightful tour of Mahabalipuram followed by a sumptuous dinner at ITC NammaShack.

It is expected that Australian Doctors Business Academy (ADBA) will return to India again for another study tour possibly 2025-2026.

Please follow Australian Doctors Business Academy on LinkedIn and Facebook. To join mailing lists, please visit https://doctorsbusinessacademy.com.au

Inquiries can be made at info@doctorsbusinessacademy.com.au

 

 

IIT Madras & THSTI Faridabad Researchers develop the first India-specific AI model to determine the age of the foetus

Dr. Himanshu Sinha
Associate Professor, Dept of Biotechnology, IIT Madras

Dr. Shinjini Bhatnagar
Principal Investigator of GARBH-Ini & Distinguished Professor at THSTI

Dr. Veerendra P. Gadekar
Senior Project Scientist, Dept of Biotechnology, IIT Madras

 

Called ‘Garbhini-GA2,’ this AI Model accurately estimates the age of a foetus in a pregnant woman in the second and third trimesters for the Indian population, reducing error by almost three times

CHENNAI, 26th February 2024: Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, as part of ‘Interdisciplinary Group for Advanced Research on Birth Outcomes – DBT India Initiative’ (GARBH-Ini) program, have developed the first India-specific Artificial Intelligence (AI) model to determine the age of a foetus in a pregnant woman in the second and third trimesters precisely.

Accurate ‘Gestational Age’ (GA) is necessary for the appropriate care of pregnant women and for determining precise delivery dates. Called ‘Garbhini-GA2’, this is the first late-trimester GA estimation model to be developed and validated using Indian population data.

The most important benefits of this GA model include

  • Currently, the age of a foetus (‘Gestational Age’ or GA) is determined using a formula developed for Western population

  • They are likely to be erroneous when applied in the later part of pregnancy due to variations in the growth of the foetus in the Indian population

  • The newly developed ‘Garbhini-GA2’ accurately estimates the age of a foetus for the Indian population, reducing error by almost three times.

  • This GA model can improve the care delivered by obstetricians and neonatologists, thus reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in India.

Welcoming this research, Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, said, “GARBH-Ini is a flagship programme of DBT, and the development of these population-specific models for estimating gestational age is a commendable outcome. These models are being validated across the country.”

This research was undertaken by Dr. Himanshu Sinha, Associate Professor, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras, Dr. Shinjini Bhatnagar, the Principal Investigator of GARBH-Ini programme and a distinguished professor at Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), and other researchers. The findings were published in the prestigious international peer-reviewed journal Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia (DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100362)

The BRIC-THSTI is an institute under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. The institute acts as a catalyst to translate fundamental discoveries by building rigorous clinical research capacity and enabling faster transition of discoveries from bench to bedside.

Highlighting the importance of this study, Dr Himanshu Sinha, who is also a Coordinator at the Center for Integrative Biology and Systems Medicine, IIT Madras, and who led the data science work for this research, said, “IIT Madras has been contributing towards solving healthcare problems at the grassroots and local level with the aim of enhancing public health in India. To this end, working with our clinical partner, THSTI, we are utilising advanced data science and AI/ML techniques to build tools to predict unfavourable birth outcomes. The first step towards this is to develop accurate GA models that perform significantly better than currently used models designed using Western populations.”

Elaborating further, Dr Shinjini Bhatnagar, Principal Investigator of the GARBH-Ini programme and a Distinguished Professor, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), said, “Improving the GA accuracy is a critical component of the broader goals of the GARBH-Ini study, which aims to reduce the adverse pregnancy outcomes. The mere application of sophisticated data science tools is not sufficient. The crux of ensuring that these technological advancements yield tangible benefits in the clinical realm lies in the end-to-end partnership between clinicians and data scientists. Such collaboration ensures that the development of solutions is not only technically sound but also clinically relevant and seamlessly integrated into healthcare workflows. This study is an exemplar of this approach.”

Ultrasound dating in early pregnancy is the standard of care for determining GA. However, dating based on formulae developed with Western data, particularly in the second and third trimesters, tends to be less accurate in the Indian population due to the variations in foetal growth.

The researchers used genetic algorithm-based methods to develop Garbhini-GA2, which, when applied in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, was more accurate than the current Hadlock and recent INTERGROWTH-21st models. The Garbhini-GA2 model, compared to Hadlock, reduces the GA estimation median error by more than three times.

Garbhini-GA2 used three routinely measured foetal ultrasound parameters, was developed using GARBH-Ini cohort data documented at Gurugram Civil Hospital, Haryana, and was validated in an independent cohort in South India. Application of Indian population-specific GA formulae with better accuracy can potentially improve pregnancy care, leading to better outcomes. This accurate dating will also enhance the precision of epidemiological estimates for pregnancy outcomes in the country.

Once validated in prospective pan-India cohorts, this Garbhini-GA2 can be deployed in clinics across India, improving the care delivered by obstetricians and neonatologists, thus reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in India.

This study was conducted in partnership with Gurugram Civil Hospital, Gurugram, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, Christian Medical College Vellore, and Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry. The GARBH-Ini program is a flagship programme of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt of India. The GA model-building research was funded by the Grand Challenges India program of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, DBT, Government of India.

Additional funding came from the Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (RBCDSAI), IIT Madras and the Centre for Integrative Biology and Systems Medicine (IBSE), IIT Madras.

Telemedicine: Future of Health Care

Prof. Meenu Singh
Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Rishikesh | President, TSI-UK Chapter | Past President Telemedicine Society of India

 

On behalf of the entire team behind the recent webinars on “Heart Failure Management” and “Sleep Disorders and Accidents,” I want to express our sincere gratitude for the active participation and engagement of eminent faculties and students. Everyone’s presence and contributions made the webinar a resounding success, fostering a vibrant exchange of knowledge and insights on these critical topics. I would specially like to thank Telemedicine Society of India to give us platform and opportunity so that Uttarakhand chapter organize such webinars.

The realm of telemedicine is constantly evolving, offering innovative ways to bridge the gap between knowledge and action. The recent webinars focusing on heart failure and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) exemplifies this power, empowering patients on multiple fronts through the convenience and accessibility of telemedicine.

Firstly, the webinar served as an educational platform, accessible from the comfort of participants’ homes. By delving into the complexities of both conditions, participants gained a deeper understanding of disease symptoms, risk factors, and potential interactions. This newfound knowledge equips them to proactively engage in their health, allowing them to recognize potential red flags and initiate conversations with their patients through telemedicine consultations.

With so many attendees, the webinars saw an impressive turnout, reflecting the growing interest in understanding the complex interplay between sleep disorders and accidents. The active participation throughout the session was truly commendable. From insightful questions posed in the live chats to lively discussions between different departments, a deep commitment to learning and sharing valuable perspectives was truly evident.

The success of this webinar transcended the mere dissemination of information. It became a platform for connection, collaboration, and most importantly, hope. We witnessed a collective commitment to improving the lives of individuals struggling with these challenging conditions, and that spirit of unity is truly inspiring.

It was clearly evident how every speaker had carefully curated their vast knowledge of these important topics into engaging presentations without missing out on the recent advances in order to keep us updated with the changing era.

The success of the webinar can be attributed to several factors, and everyone’s active participation stands out as a cornerstone. Here are just a few ways everyone’s contributions enriched the experience:

Engaging Questions: The insightful questions during the live chat discussions, challenged the speakers, prompting deeper exploration of key concepts and practical applications of heart failure, sleep disorders and their management. This intellectual curiosity not only benefited the individual asking the question but also broadened the understanding of the entire audience.

Vibrant Discussions: The chat forum buzzed with lively discussions throughout the session. Everyone actively shared their experiences, insights, and questions, creating a dynamic platform for peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange. This collaborative spirit fostered a sense of community and enriched the overall learning experience.

Dissemination of Knowledge: By actively participating in the webinar, we have become ambassadors for raising awareness about the link between heart failure and sleep disorders. Sharing our learnings within our professional circles and personal networks can have a significant impact on improving heart health and sleep quality for many individuals.

We understand that time is valuable and everyone’s active participation has not only contributed to the success of these webinars but also has paved the way for future advancements in heart failure management and sleep medicine.

We encourage everyone to stay connected and continue the dialogue. We are committed to providing, valuable resources and opportunities for further learning.

As we move forward, we carry with us the invaluable insights gleaned from these webinars. I thank everyone once again for their invaluable participation. We look forward to engaging with everyone in future endeavors aimed at improving our understanding of important topics and updating our existing knowledge with the recent advances and developments in order to provide, state of art care to our population.

 

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

 

AI Tool Moderately Effective in Predicting Kidney Injury
Hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (HA-AKI) poses risks like chronic kidney disease, longer hospital stays…Readmore

Apple’s Vision Pro Launch: Surge in Adoption for Surgical AR/VR
The imminent adoption of surgical augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) is expected to be greatly influenced by Apple’s recent… Readmore

AI-Based Stroke Care Reduces Recurrence & Deaths
Stroke survivors who received care recommendations from artificial intelligence (AI)-based system experienced fewer recurrent strokes, heart attacks…..Reademore

Novel Machine Learning Directs to Precise Heart Attack Drugs
An innovative machine learning approach- a subset of artificial intelligence, in combination with culminated human knowledge, can identify drugs…..Readmore

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter January 2024

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

As we step into January, the first month of the year often symbolizes new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s a time when many of us set resolutions, recalibrate our budgets following the holiday season, and lay down plans for the year ahead.

In this edition of our newsletter, we’re excited to feature a pivotal article on the digital payment revolution in India – a development that is not only a source of national pride but also marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey.

We also have a special contribution from Dr. Murthy, who reflects on his four-year tenure as the Honorary Secretary of TSI. His insights shed light on how his efforts have contributed significantly to the society’s growth.

A Call to Action for Our Members:

This newsletter thrives on the contributions but very few of our 1100-strong member community send in any communication.

I urge each one of you to take a moment to share your experiences and insights. Remember, the efforts and time you dedicate to organizing meetings and conferences are invaluable. But without documentation, these moments are fleeting. Spending just 15 minutes to document and share your experiences in the newsletter not only preserves these memories but also ensures they are recognized and valued for years to come.

So let’s resolve to work together to keep our community’s achievements alive and visible.

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
Vice President, TSI

My Reflections on Telemedicine and Journey with TSI from 2019-2023

Dr. Murthy Remilla
Member and Hon Sec from 2019 -2023 – Telemedicine Society of India(TSI)

Introduction

Telemedicine represents a significant milestone in healthcare, merging traditional practices with modern Information Communication and Electronics (ICE) technologies. This integration has enabled healthcare to reach the unreached, transforming the Indian medical landscape deeply rooted in traditions dating back to Charaka and Susrutha.

Early Beginnings and Milestones

The journey of telemedicine in India began with tele-consultations, tracing back to the inception of telephony 1907.

A significant leap occurred in 1999 when Sri Ramachandra Medical College hosted a video lecture by Dr. Stephen Dretler from Department of Urology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston, USA, introducing the video format in medical education and. The year 2000 witnessed another landmark event when US President Bill Clinton commissioned the world’s first VSAT-enabled village hospital in Andhra Pradesh.

ISRO’s Pioneering Role

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) played a transformative role in telemedicine’s growth. Although ISRO conducted preliminary experiments in the mid-90s, it was not until 2000 that a special program commenced. This initiative was significantly bolstered in 2001 with the successful link between Chennai’s Apollo Hospital and Apollo rural hospital in Aragonda, Andhra Pradesh.

Formation and Evolution of TSI

The Telemedicine Society of India (TSI) was formally established in 2006, headquartered at the School of Telemedicine and Bioinformatics, SGPGI, Lucknow. TSI’s evolution was marked by collaborations with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), various governmental and non-governmental organizations, and research institutes, further propelled by ISRO’s SatCom facility and emerging technologies.

Developments During My Tenure (2019-2023)

As the Honorary Secretary of TSI, I witnessed and contributed to several pivotal developments:

1. Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (TMPG): Issued by MoH&FW in March 2020, TMPG formation led to the creation of working groups that developed a telemedicine curriculum. Approximately 30,000 doctors and stakeholders were trained in various aspects of telemedicine, led by Dr. Sunil Shroff and other esteemed faculties including Ms.Bagmisikha Puhan, Wg Cmdr (Dr) Lavanian Dorairaj (Retd), Mr.Mayank Agarwal, Mr.Manick Rajendran, Dr.Ravi Modalli, Dr. (Gp Capt) Suchitra Mankar, Mr.P Ramkumar and Dr.Ashvini Goyal.

2. Expansion through State Chapters: The formation of 12 state chapters significantly enhanced TSI’s geographical reach and impact on telemedicine activities.

3. Membership Growth: There has been a significant increase in membership across various categories, especially among life members. A key focus is now on increasing student membership, vital for the future of TM in India. This has happened also due to incorporating online payment gateways that was initiated by Mr Maynak Agarwal and implemented by Medindia.

4. Bylaws Amendment: In October 2023, TSI updated its bylaws to reflect the contemporary realities of telemedicine, involving extensive online discussions and legal processes.

5. Manual of Processes and Procedures: Recognizing the need for a dynamic operational structure, TSI embarked on creating a comprehensive manual to serve as a standard operating procedure, complementing the bylaws and providing a more agile framework for TSI’s functioning.

Conclusion

The path ahead for TSI is marked by continuous adaptation and responsiveness to the evolving landscape of telemedicine. Our commitment to governance and improvement is evident in the development of the Manual of Processes and Procedures and our focus on engaging the next generation of telemedicine professionals. As of November 2023, TSI’s membership primarily comprises life members, but we are increasingly focusing on nurturing student membership, crucial for the sustained evolution and success of telemedicine in India.

Dr. Sunil Shroff
Vice President

India’s Digital Payment Revolution: Paving the Way for Healthcare Transformation and Economic Growth

Dr. Sunil Shroff
Vice President, Telemedicine Society of India | Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon

 

In the conservative and tradition-bound landscape of India, a quiet revolution is unfolding, one that has profound implications for its economy. The government’s push towards a cashless economy, coupled with a burgeoning smartphone user base and widespread internet accessibility, has fuelled this transformative shift. The catalyst of this transformation is the surge in digital payments, particularly through the Unified Payment Interface (UPI).

  • The total transactions processed through the Indian Unified Payments Interface (UPI) crossed the mark of 100 billion in 2023 to reach 117.6 billion, a surge of approximately 60 percent YoY.
  • The total value of UPI transactions zoomed over 40% year-on-year (YoY) to INR 182.84 Lakh Crore in 2023.
  • The average ticket size (ATS) for UPI Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions which was INR 885 in January 2022 saw a reduction to INR 653 in June 2023. This suggests that UPI is now being increasingly used for smaller transactions.
  • The Indian eCommerce industry is expected to reach US$200 billion by 2026 to surpass the United States to become the second-largest eCommerce market (after China) in the world by 2034.

Rapid Adoption of Digital Payments

Under the aegis of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), digital payments have gained unprecedented momentum. Approximately 40% of all payments in India are now conducted digitally, a testament to the country’s evolving economic practices. The NPCI’s Managing Director, Mr. Dilip Asbe, highlights this shift, noting the broad adoption of digital transactions, encompassing 300 million individuals and 50 million merchants.

Microtransactions: Changing the Face of Commerce

One of the most striking aspects of this digital surge is the prevalence of microtransactions. Small everyday expenses, like a cup of chai from Rs 10/- or buying an apparel worth Rs 1000/-, are increasingly being settled digitally. This behavioral change is significant, marking a departure from the traditional reliance on cash and underscoring the convenience and accessibility of digital payments.

The Genesis of India’s Digital Infrastructure

India’s journey towards a digital economy is underpinned by a robust digital public infrastructure, a product of strategic government initiatives and public-private partnerships. This infrastructure has outpaced those of major economies like the United States, Britain, Germany, and France in terms of the value of instant digital transactions.

The JAM Trinity: A Cornerstone of Digitalization

Central to India’s digital leap are the Jan Dhan Accounts, Aadhar, and Mobile (JAM) trinity. This trio has revolutionized the country’s economic ecosystem, promoting financial inclusion, identity verification, and widespread internet access. The Jan Dhan Yojana has led to the opening of millions of bank accounts, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, while Aadhar has streamlined identity services and financial transactions. The proliferation of mobile internet, spurred by competitive pricing in the telecom sector, has been instrumental in extending digital payments to remote corners of the country.

UPI: A Paradigm Shift in Payments

The Unified Payments Interface represents a paradigm shift in India’s payment landscape. As a public-private partnership, UPI has created an interoperable platform linking banks and payment apps without transaction fees. The system’s growth is a testament to India’s innovative approach to financial technology, promoting ease of use and widespread adoption.

Behavioral Change and Market Dynamics

The success of digital payments in India is not solely a story of technological advancement but also of significant behavioral change. Innovations like voice notification boxes for merchants have helped bridge the trust gap in a traditionally cash-reliant society. Simultaneously, the Indian market is experiencing a shift in consumer preferences and spending patterns, influenced by rising disposable incomes and the availability of finance options for premium products.

Transforming Healthcare through Digital Payments

The healthcare sector in India is experiencing a significant transformation, driven largely by the integration of digital payments. This shift is particularly evident in the rise of telemedicine and online health services, where seamless payment gateways are crucial. As consumers increasingly turn to online platforms for health consultations and the purchase of medications and consumables, the ease and security of digital transactions play a pivotal role. This change not only streamlines the process for users but also opens up new avenues for healthcare providers to expand their services efficiently. The growth of the telehealth market and online pharmaceutical sales is intrinsically linked to the evolution of consumer behavior, which is now more inclined towards digital solutions for healthcare needs.

The Global Implications and Future Outlook

India’s digital payment ecosystem is more than a national success; it’s a blueprint for developing nations aspiring to leapfrog into the digital age. The country’s experience demonstrates how technology can catalyze economic growth and offers insights into effective public-private partnerships in building efficient digital infrastructures.

Conclusion: A Nation Transformed by Digital Innovation

India’s journey through the digital payment revolution is a testament to the power of technological innovation, astute policy-making, and adaptive behavioral change in reshaping an economy. This transformation transcends the boundaries of mere financial transactions. It marks a fundamental shift in the modalities of commerce, governance, and daily life in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

The narrative of India’s digital payments goes beyond economic metrics; it is about forging a more inclusive and accessible financial ecosystem, touching millions of lives. This revolution is setting a global precedent for digital economic transformation, and its ripple effects are profoundly redefining sectors like healthcare, making services more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric. India’s digital payment evolution, therefore, is not just an economic success story; it’s a blueprint for holistic national advancement, impacting every facet of society, including the vital sector of healthcare.

References

  1. https://pib.gov.in/FeaturesDeatils.aspx?NoteId=151350&ModuleId%20=%202
  2. https://www.npci.org.in/
  3. Payment Gateway Market Growth in India and Its Segmentation

          ITIO Innovex Pvt. Ltd. on LinkedIn

This article is Republished (Part of this article was published in the last issue)

Geographical Spread of TSI Across India through State Chapters

Dr. Murthy Remilla
Member and Hon Sec from 2019 -2023 – Telemedicine Society of India(TSI)

 

To carry forward the work of Telemedicine more effectively at the ground level, TSI slowly started the formation of state chapters wherever 20 Life members enroll, which reached 8 chapters by 2018.

After serving earlier for two separate stints as Executive Member of TSI EC, I was fortunate enough to shoulder the responsibility of Hony.Secretary for two consecutive terms from Nov 2019 to Nov 2023.

1. TSI Telangana Chapter on Jan 10, 2020: One way to say, Hyderabad being a hub of many multispecialty hospitals is late in joining the TSI bandwagon. And with the onset of COVID in March 2020, there were no activities and no formal inauguration was conducted and relaunch took place on Nov 6,2022.

2. TSI Kerala Chapter on Jan 19, 2020: Under the aegis of TSI President Maj. Gen (Retd.) Dr. AK Singh. Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences(AIMS) Kochi with the coordination by Mr. Bijoy for a speedy enrolment and liasioning with Amrita and making it happen in a record time with record number of members on the date of inauguration itself The state chapter immediately came forward to host 2022 conference and held it in a grand way at Kochi.

3. UP Chapter on Feb 22, 2020: As most of us are aware; Lucknow, UP is the hometown of TSI and SGPGI is the birthplace of TSI and SGPGI is the birthplace and HQ of TSI. But for reasons beyond imagination, UP was the 11th state chapter to be inaugurated at SGPGI on Feb 22, 2020. However again, due to the Corona effect the state chapter couldn’t do much of activities and remained in a dormant state.

The chapter was reinvigorated on Nov 02,2022 at Prayagraj and has since conducted good number of programmes and training camps.

At the time of writing this, it came out to the utmost surprise that, the chapter was initially formed in 2017 itself but was somehow not known to many. In any case, it is happy to note that the UP chapter from the hometown of TM is back to active state now and is doing well.

4. Chandigarh Chapter on May 16, 2022: While the Secretary and team had to cajole, console, convince and attract prospectives to become life members, the Chandigarh Chapter was a surprise like a bolt from the blue. One day Dr. Meenu Singh, the then President-Elect and Professor at PGI Chandigarh has completed all the formalities and sent a list of enrolled members and request to recognise the formation of a new state chapter. This was a happy shock and the first chapter to be formed ever in a Union Territory. She had (has) a dedicated and enthusiastic young team of professional like Dr. Amit Agarwal, Dr. Biman Saikia etc.; and with all their coordination the chapter was inaugurated on May 16, 2022 under the aegis of TSI President Dr.PK Pradhan. Interestingly by then Dr. Meenu Singh was appointed as the Executive Director at AIIMS Rishikesh and has attended the function online, by making it a Tele-inauguration of the state chapter.

5. Gujarat Chapter on July 06, 2022: Expanding the TSI in the western zone, the Gujarat chapter was inaugurated on July 06,2022 at Ahmedabad. Incidentally this is the city of DECU, ISRO the national provider and coordinator of ISRO’s SatCom based TM services.

6. Jammu & Kashmir Chapter on Oct 29, 2022: One of the dreams of TSI has been to expand to the frontiers of the nation by reaching out to states like J&K. ISRO’s telemedicine has been in vogue in the state since 2004 with SKIMS, Srinagar as the Super specialty Hospital and at the helm of affairs. Mr. Farooq Ahmed Wani has been a crusader for the successful running of operations across 13 ISRO TM nodes in the state established by ISRO. Again, with his active role the dream of TSI came to a reality with the inauguration of J&K chapter at SKIMS, Srinagar on Oct 29,2022.

Quiet unexpectedly but most pleasantly, the state chapter within a period of 9 months from the formation, came forward to successfully host the mid-term conference of 2022 on Aug 26,2022 again at the prestigious SKIMS. The participation of several young doctors and particularly students and their presentation of high quality research papers is an added attraction in the mid-term conference.

7. Uttarakhand Chapter on Nov 10, 2022: Under able guidance and aegis of Dr. Meenu Singh, President TSI and Executive Director of AIIMS Rishikesh, Uttarakhand chapter was inaugurated at AIIMS Rishikesh on Nov 10, 2022. Dr. Ankur Mittal of AIIMS has taken lead role in spreading the importance of TM and value of forming a local TSI chapter and hence in forming the Uttarakhand chapter in a speedy manner. The good news is the chapter stood as the best chapter as declared at Goa Telemedicon AGM by conducting 12/12 programmes (12 events in 12 months period) on subjects varying from Urology, Oncology and recent annual event on Laparoscopy. As said, conducting online events is not the ultimate aim and goal of TSI or state chapters but that is a minimum step in the right direction. This keeps the state unit active and dynamic in moving ahead.

8. HARYANA Chapter on Mar 04, 2023: Similar to HP chapter, the Haryana chapter also came into existence after a meeting at Kochi during the Telemedicon 2022. Dr. Arti Pawaria of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Faridabad came to Telemedicon for the first time and was so impressed with the work and potential of her desire to serve the society through Telemedicine. In addition to her headwork and sincerity, the wishes of Dr. Prem Nair, MD, AIMS and Dr. Puneet Dhar who subsequently became the first President the state chapter. The Haryana chapter was inaugurated on Mar 04,2023. Being close to Delhi which is very much crowded to even enter, but being close to the rural Haryana on the other side Haryana has a key role to play in reaching healthcare to all in the region and let’s hope for an all-round development of TSI activities through Haryana Chapter.

9. Himachal Pradesh Chapter on May 13, 2023: With active support and lead role by Dr. Vikrant Kanwar of AIIMS Bilaspur and wishes of Dr. Vir Singh Negi, Executive Director AIIMS, Bilaspur, the HP chapter was inaugurated on May 13, 2023. This is personally special and dear to me as this is my birthday celebrated in a satisfying way with the inauguration of a new chapter in an important hilly state of India. Dr. Vikrant also came to Telemedicon2022 at Goa and joined a parallel meeting with me along with Dr Arti Pawaria of Haryana and got motivated to form a state chapter and continued the work soon after going back. Another pleasant news is the state chapter soon after formation has come forward to host 2024 Telemedicon at HP in Dharamshala (Kangda) in Nov 2024 which was ratified by the 2023 AGM.

10. Goa Chapter on July 09, 2023: Telemedicon 2023 was announced to be held at Goa, initially proposed to be hosted by TSI Maharashtra Chapter under the aegis of Dr. B.S. Ratta. Subsequently TSI Gujarat chapter under the presidentship of Dr. Raj Rawal joined the event as a co-host. Like the tradition to preview the venue and review the arrangements, Mid-term meeting of TSI was held at Goa on July 09,2023. With the help and efforts of Dr. Suraj Bhosle of Goa joining the ongoing efforts by Dr. Ratta and Hony. Secretary TSI; the formation of Goa chapter also gained momentum and became a reality with the inauguration on the same day. Hence, the realisation of Goa Chapter and local team in the field, Telemedicon 2023 was successfully held at Goa during Nov 3-5,2023 in a grand way.

11. Jharkhand Chapter on Aug 18, 2023: With active support and membership drive by Dr.Maishraj of AIIMS Deogarh, the Jharkhand chapter of TSI was inaugurated on Aug 18, 2023 under the aegis of President TSI Dr. Meenu Singh and Dr. Saurabh Varshney, Director AIIMS.

12. North East Chapter on Nov 24, 2023: Next to J&K, North East (NE) region is treated as the most important and difficult geographic terrain. The group of seven states is considered as a single block by Govt of India and for all practical purposes, Meghalaya also is treated as part of NE. Keeping these in view, and identifying the difficulty in enrolling required 20 members from each state, TSI also decided to allow the 20+ members from NE (8 states) to form a NE chapter to start with and gradually progress towards independent state chapters wherever possible. This was communicated to the Ad-hoc committee on Nov 01,2023 as a recognition to form the NE chapter. Subsequently the chapter was inaugurated at the Royal Global University, Guwahati on Nov 24,2023. Many engineering college students were addressed about the evolution and growth of TM and advances in technology aiding the growth of TM. There is a potential to from a student chapter of the university soon and this needs to be taken forward to other states and universities of the region.

Happy thing to share on this occasion is, the new chapter has come forward to conduct the 2024 mid-term conference in the North East and formal request being announced by the incoming president Dr. Bikash Rai Das and team during the inauguration itself. North East Chapter will be a role model for coordination and cooperation with members from 8 states working together.

Road ahead: This leaves a major state of the east West Bengal to come up with its own state chapter and the work is in progress with the author’s discussions with potential stakeholders to rope-in the required members and probably holding the 2025 conference at Kolkata perfectly matching the ideal desire of holding Telemedicons in North-East-West and South (NEWS) mode. Let’s wish for the same to be realised soon.

Though requirement-wise Bihar stand the next state to expand TM services in a big way and stands a chance to be the 22nd state chapter of TSI if WB becomes the 21st chapter.

Though the growth of state chapters across the regions is increasing and pleasant to be noted, more and more activities are expected to be taken up under the aegis of these chapters with active participation by more members and particularly the younger generation. While conducting online/offline seminars and workshops or trainings is an initial and minimal activity to be taken up, the next and expected step in the journey is conducting some remote/rural camps with real usage and utilization of Telemedicine in practice.

Let me close, with wishes for the same to happen soon, and the benefits of Telemedicine to reach the unreached making geography, location and distance a matter of irrelevance in the access to healthcare.

Launch of the Traditional Medicine Morbidity codes of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani Chapter in International Classification of Diseaseas (ICD) 11 as Module 2


PIB Delhi

ICD 11 TM Module 2, Morbidity Codes, World Health Organization launch event will be held in New Delhi on 10th January, 2024. The data and terminology relating to diseases based on Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani systems will now be included in the WHOs ICD11 classification.

The data and terminology relating to diseases based on Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems will now be included in the ICD11 classification of WHO. This effort will lead to global uniformity in ASU (Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha) medicine as a code of vocabulary defining diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a classification series called International Classification of Diseases (ICDs) to classify diseases internationally. The global data on diseases currently available is mainly based on healthcare practices to be diagnosed through modern biomedicine. The classification of data and terminology relating to diseases based on Ayush systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani etc. is not yet included in the WHO ICD series.

Director, Integrated Health Services, WHO Geneva was present at the premises of Ministry of Ayush today (9th January ). Secretary, Ministry of Ayush along with all senior officials and members deliberated on the efforts of Ministry of Ayush and importance of inclusion of Traditional Medicine in ICD 11. Pradeep Dua, Technical Officer Tradition, Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Integrated Health Services, WHO also participated in the discussion.

This effort will further strengthen and expand India’s public healthcare delivery system, research, Ayush insurance coverage, research and development, and policy-making systems. In addition, these codes will also be used in the formulation of future strategies to control various diseases in the society. Many other member countries of the World Health Organization are also willing to implement a similar format to include the terminology of traditional medical diseases in the ICD.

Infectious diseases like Malaria and lifestyle diseases like chronic insomnia are included in this classification. Ayurveda, Siddhas, and Unani, Vertigo Guidance Disorder (parent name), commonly recognized by the three traditional systems, as a nervous system disorder known in Ayurveda as ‘Bhramaha’ siddha as ‘Ajal Kirkrippu’ and in Unani as ‘Sadra-o-Dwar’.

Under ICD-11, there will be an international coding of such terminology and the names and data of prevalent diseases of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani Medicine will be notified in the code internationally through the TM 2 module. ICD11 will be released on 10th January, 2024 at New Delhi in the joint presence of officials from WHO and Ministry of AYUSH…Reade More

Dear Esteemed TSI Members, here is an excellent opportunity to share and improve our knowledge in healthcare IT. Please register with the code provided and make use of the special offer of 15% discount for TSI members.

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

 

AI-Embedded Catheter:Game Changer in Preventing Bacterial Infections

American researchers have crafted an innovative catheter tube, enhanced with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology…Readmore

Swift Injury Severity Assessment in Healthcare Aided by AI

Swift assessment of injury severity demands consideration of multiple factors; introducing AI support for healthcare professionals in making rapid… Readmore

Timeless Language of Facial Expressions in Psychotherapy

Facial expressions play a pivotal role in psychotherapy, allowing an insightful glimpse into a person’s emotional moment. Developed by psychologist Paul Ekman…..Reademore

AI Eases Barriers in Ultrasound Brain Disease Treatment

Scientists have created an acoustic simulation technology in real-time utilizing generative AI. This innovation aims to forecast and rectify the distortion in ultrasound…..Readmore

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter December 2023

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

Wishing all the TSI members an inspiring and successful year ahead! As we step into 2024 may we continue to break boundaries, challenge norms, and create groundbreaking solutions to help our patients. Our team raises a toast for incredible achievements, endless learning, and technological wonders.

We are happy to announce that from this issue onwards, this publication will be the official newsletter of TSI.

Latest Developments: Telecommunication and Telemedicine in India

India’s telecommunication network, the world’s second-largest in terms of telephone and internet user base, has undergone remarkable expansion. As of May 22, 2023, the country had 1.11 billion telephone subscribers, including both fixed and mobile phone users. This growth is coupled with some of the most affordable call tariffs globally.

In terms of internet usage, India stands as the world’s second-largest internet user base. A joint report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Kantar, a market data analytics firm, reveals that over 759 million Indian citizens, constituting more than half of the population, are active internet users, accessing the internet at least monthly. This number is projected to rise to 900 million by 2025. The report further highlights that out of the 759 million active users in 2022, rural India contributes 399 million users, while urban India accounts for 360 million, indicating rural areas as significant drivers of internet growth in India.

This exponential growth in telecommunications provides a fertile ground for the expansion of the Telemedicine Society of India (TSI). The increasing number of state chapters within TSI is particularly significant in light of these statistics, underscoring a massive opportunity for the society’s growth and outreach.

Dr. Murthy’s article spotlights this potential through the lens of the new state chapters’ formation. To leverage this opportunity fully, professionalizing our approach becomes imperative. Learning from established models in the USA and Europe, especially from the American Telemedicine Association, could provide valuable insights and strategies for TSI’s expansion and impact in the rapidly evolving telemedicine landscape in India.

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
Vice President, TSI

Expanding Geographical Reach of TSI: Establishment and Growth of State Chapters

Dr. Murthy Remilla

In a strategic move to enhance the effectiveness of Telemedicine initiatives at the grassroots level, the Telemedicine Society of India (TSI) embarked on a journey to establish state chapters. This initiative began with a criterion that each chapter would be formed in states where at least 20 Life members were enrolled. This approach has proven successful, leading to substantial growth over the years.

By 2018, TSI proudly had eight active state chapters. This number has impressively increased, and as of now, TSI boasts a network of 20 functioning state chapters. This expansion reflects our commitment to making Telemedicine services more accessible and collaborative across various regions.

I have had the privilege of contributing to this growth during my tenure as the Honorary Secretary of TSI. From November 2019 to November 2023, I served two consecutive terms, during which I played a pivotal role in the formation of 12 additional state chapters. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the TSI’s history, showcasing our dedication to spreading the benefits of Telemedicine far and wide.

It is essential for every TSI member to be familiar with these state chapters. Awareness and active participation in chapter activities foster a richer exchange of knowledge and ideas, crucial for the growth and development of Telemedicine practices. Additionally, TSI members are encouraged to attend meetings of these state chapters whenever they visit respective states. Such engagements are not only beneficial for professional growth but also serve as a platform for fostering fellowship and building stronger networks within the TSI community.

Our collective efforts in nurturing these state chapters will undoubtedly propel the reach and impact of Telemedicine across the country, benefiting a larger section of society. I look forward to seeing more members actively engage with their local chapters and contribute to this vital cause. Here is a list of all the new chapters that were formed during my tenure.

1. UP Chapter: February 22, 2020

As most of us are aware; Lucknow, UP is the hometown of TSI and SGPGI is the birthplace of TSI and SGPGI is the birthplace and HQ of TSI. But for some unknown reason UP state chapter came late on board. It was inaugurated on February 22, 2020 and became the 11th state chapter. However again, due to the Corona effects the state chapter couldn’t do much activities and remained in a dormant state.

The chapter was reinvigorated on Nov 02,2022 at Prayagraj and has since conducted good number of programmes and training camps.

At the time of writing this report, I came to know that the chapter was initially formed in 2017 itself but was dormant.

2. Jammu & Kashmir: October 29, 2021

One of the dreams of TSI has been to expand to the frontiers of the nation by reaching out to states like J&K. ISRO’s telemedicine has been in vogue in the state since 2004 with SKIMS, Srinagar as the Super specialty Hospital and at the helm of affairs. Mr. Farooq Ahmed Wani has been a crusader for the successful running of operations across 13 ISRO TM nodes in the state established by ISRO. Again, with his active role the dream of TSI came to a reality with the inauguration of J&K chapter at SKIMS, Srinagar on Oct 29,2021.

Quiet unexpectedly but most pleasantly, the state chapter within a period of 9 months from the formation, came forward to successfully host the mid-term conference of 2022 on Aug 26, 2022 again at the prestigious SKIMS. The participation of several young doctors and particularly students and their presentation of high quality research papers was an added attraction in the mid-term conference.

3. Gujarat Chapter: July 06, 2022

Expanding the TSI in the western zone, the Gujarat chapter was inaugurated on July 06,2022 at Ahmedabad. Incidentally this is the city of DECU, ISRO the national provider and coordinator of ISRO’s SatCom based TM services.

4. Chandigarh Chapter May 16, 2022

Dr. Meenu Singh, the then President-Elect and Professor at PGI Chandigarh completed all the formalities and sent a list of enrolled members and request to recognise the formation of a new state chapter. It is the first chapter to be formed in a Union Territory. She had a dedicated and enthusiastic young team of professional like Dr. Amit Agarwal, Dr. Biman Saikia etc.; and with all their coordination the chapter was inaugurated on 16/05/2022 under the aegis of TSI President Dr. PK Pradhan.

Interestingly during this period of formation Dr. Meenu Singh was appointed as the Executive Director at AIIMS Rishikesh and has attended the function online, by making it a Tele-inauguration of the state chapter.

5. Uttarakhand Chapter: November 10, 2022

The shift to AIIMS, Rishikesh of Dr.Meenu Singh worked as a catalyst for the formation of Uttarakhand Chapter. Uttarakhand chapter was inaugurated at AIIMS Rishikesh on the Nov 10, 2022.

Dr. Ankur Mittal of AIIMS has taken lead role in spreading the importance of TM and value of forming a local TSI chapter. The good news is that the chapter stood as the best chapter as declared at Goa Telemedicon AGM by conducting 12/12 programmes (12 events in 12 months period) on subjects varying from Urology, Oncology and recent annual event on Laparoscopy. As said, conducting online events is not the ultimate aim and goal of TSI or state chapters but is a step in the right direction. This keeps the state unit active and dynamic in moving ahead.

6. Himachal Pradesh Chapter: May 13, 2023

With active support and lead role by Dr. Vikrant Kanwar of AIIMS Bilaspur and wishes of Dr. Vir Singh Negi, Executive Director AIIMS, Bilaspur, the HP chapter was inaugurated on May 13,2023. This is personally special and dear to me as this day was also my birthday. Dr. Vikrant came to Telemedicon2022 at Kochi and joined a parallel meeting with me along with Dr.Arti Pawaria of Haryana and got motivated to form a state chapter. An soon after their formation they magnanimously came forward to host 2024 Telemedicon at HP in Dharamshala (Kangda) in Nov 2024 which was ratified by the 2023 AGM.

7. HARYANA Chapter: March 04, 2023

Similar to HP chapter, the Haryana chapter also came into existence after a meeting at Kochi during the Telemedicon 2022. Dr. Arti Pawaria of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Faridabad came to Telemedicon for the first time and was so impressed with the work and potential of her desire to serve the society through Telemedicine. The Haryana chapter was inaugurated on Mar 04,2023. Being close to Delhi which is very much crowded, but also being close to the rural Haryana on the other side, Haryana chapter has a key role to play in reaching healthcare to all in the remote regions and let’s hope for an all-round development of TSI activities through Haryana Chapter.

8. Goa Chapter: Telemedicon 2023 was announced to be held at Goa, initially proposed to be hosted by TSI Maharashtra Chapter under the aegis of Dr. B.S. Ratta. Subsequently TSI Gujarat chapter under the presidentship of Dr. Raj Rawal joined the event as a co-host. Like the tradition to preview the venue and review the arrangements, Mid-term meeting of TSI was held at Goa on July 09,2023. With the help and efforts of Dr. Suraj Bhosle of Goa joining the ongoing efforts by Dr. Ratta and Hony. Secretary TSI; the formation of Goa chapter also gained momentum and became a reality with the inauguration on the same day. Hence, the realisation of Goa Chapter and local team in the field, Telemedicon 2023 was successfully held at Goa during Nov 3-5,2023 in a grand way.

9. Jharkhand Chapter: August 18, 2023

With active support and membership drive by Dr.Maishraj of AIIMS Deogarh, the Jharkhand chapter of TSI was inaugurated on Aug 18, 2023 under the aegis of President TSI Dr. Meenu Singh and Dr. Saurabh Varshney, Director AIIMS.

10. North East Chapter: on November 24, 2023

After J&K, North East (NE) region is treated as the most important and difficult geographic terrain. The group of seven states is considered as a single block by Govt of India. Keeping this in mind, and identifying the difficulty in enrolling the required 20 members from each state, TSI also decided to allow the 20+ members from NE (7 states) to form a NE chapter to start with and gradually progress towards independent state chapters wherever possible. This was communicated to the Ad-hoc committee on Nov 01,2023 as a recognition to form the NE chapter. Subsequently the chapter was inaugurated at the Royal Global University, Guwahati on Nov 24,2023. Many engineering college students were addressed about the evolution and growth of TM and advances in technology aiding the growth of TM. There is a potential to from a student chapter of the university soon and this needs to be taken forward to other states and universities of the region.

NE chapter has also agreed to conduct the 2024 mid-term conference in the North East region and formal request during the inauguration itself as announced by the incoming president.

This leaves West Bengal and Bihar in the east to come up with their own state chapters and the work is in progress with the author’s discussions with potential stakeholders to rope-in the required members and probably holding the 2025 conference at Kolkata perfectly matching the ideal desire of holding national Telemedicine meetings in rotation in North-East-West and South (NEWS) regions. Let’s wish for the same to be realised soon.

We anticipate a surge in dynamic activities under the banner of these chapters, driven by the active involvement of our members, particularly from the younger generation.

The initial steps of hosting online and offline seminars, workshops, and training sessions form the foundational activities of these chapters. However, the next, and indeed more impactful phase of our journey, involves organizing remote and rural camps. These camps will demonstrate the real-world application and benefits of Telemedicine to the unreached, bringing this innovative healthcare approach directly into practice.

As we move forward, our goal is to ensure that the benefits of Telemedicine extend far and wide, reaching even the most remote areas. We envision a future where geography, location, and distance become irrelevant in accessing quality healthcare. With this aspiration, we extend heartfelt wishes for the success of these endeavors and the widespread adoption of Telemedicine, making quality healthcare accessible to all, regardless of their location.

Let us strive together towards this noble goal, ensuring that Telemedicine not only reaches but also positively impacts the unreached and underserved communities.

 

Rajarajan_S

3rd Edition of CII TN MedClave
Healthcare 4.0: Decoding Digital Transformation

Rajarajan S
Healthcare Management Professional & Mentor Insightlyst

Chennai, 02 December, 2023: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Tamil Nadu organized the 3rd Edition of MedClave – An exclusive Conference for the healthcare sector on 02 December 2023 (Saturday) at Hotel Westin, Velacherry, Chennai. The theme for this conference was “Healthcare 4.0: Decoding Digital Transformation“. The event saw close to 400 participants attend the same.

MedClave 2023 is one of South India’s largest gathering of stakeholders from the Medical & Healthcare industry – which attracts experts, professionals, entrepreneurs & policy makers. Apart from being a knowledge transfer platform, MedClave also showcases advancements in healthcare through technology, practices and policies. This year, Telemedicine Society of India was an Associate Partner for the event.

MedClave 2023 featured exclusive sessions and panel discussions on Healthcare Data, Bridging Healthcare Gaps through Digital Transformation, AI in Healthcare, Government Initiatives and an exclusive CXO Roundtable.

Key speakers in Medclave 2023 included Dr Sathish Devadoss, Convenor, Healthcare Panel, CII Tamil Nadu & Chairman, Devadoss Hospitals; Dr Ilan Kumaran, Chairman, MedClave 2023, Co-Convenor CII TN Healthcare Panel, CEO & Senior Consultant, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Centre; Mr Rajarajan S, Healthcare Management Professional & Mentor – Insightlyst, Dr. Sunil Shroff, Urologist & Transplant Surgeon, VP TSI & Managing Trustee MOHAN Foundation,; U K Ananthapadmanabhan, Director & CEO, Tenxhealth Technologies Pvt Ltd Mr Ram Natesan, Senior VP, Network & Provider Management, Star Health Insurance; Ms Sharmila Devadoss, Co-chair – MedClave 2023 & Managing Director, MedIoTek Health Systems P Ltd; Mr Vybhava Srinivasan, Managing Director, Availity India; Dr Rohini Sridhar, Senior VP (Medical Services), Apollo Hospitals & Dr Iyappan Ponnuswamy, Medical Director & Chief Radiologist, Kauvery Hospitals

This conclave deliberated on the key issues such as Quality of Care & Patient Services in a Digital World – Impact of Real World Data (RWD), Bridging gaps in the healthcare value chain through digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence in health care, Government Initiatives and Regulatory Framework in Digital Health, Challenges & Solutions in implementing digitization in hospitals. The start-up showcase event was held prior and an esteemed jury including Dr. Umashankar, Honorary Secretary, TSI was part of the panel.

Medclave 2023 also witnessed the honoring of individuals, hospitals and startup’s for their outstanding contribution to humanity and mankind. Dr S Chandrakumar, Past Chairman, CII Tamil Nadu State Council & Founder, Executive Chairman, Kauvery Group of Hospitals was the Chief Guest for the same alongside TN State Chair and Co-Chair for CII.

The 3rd Edition of CII TN Medclave stands as a testament to the shared commitment towards pioneering solutions that revolutionize healthcare delivery, ensuring equitable access and better outcomes for communities across Tamil Nadu.

Pavithra

Robot-Aided Injectable Prosthesis Promotes Muscle Regeneration

Dr. Pavithra
Assistant Editor, Medindia.net

In a groundbreaking study recently published in the prestigious journal Nature, a team of researchers hailing from the Institute of Basic Science (IBS) in South Korea has unveiled a remarkable advancement in the fields of biomaterial technology and rehabilitation medicine.

Their innovation combines an injectable tissue prosthesis, in the form of conductive hydrogels, with a sophisticated robot-assisted rehabilitation system. This novel approach offers new hope for those suffering from severe muscle injuries and the resulting loss of motor and sensory functions.

The Challenge of Severe Muscle Injuries

Imagine finding yourself in the vast expanse of the ocean, only to have a giant shark bite a substantial chunk of muscle out of your thigh. Such an injury would lead to a complete loss of motor and sensor function in your leg.

Left untreated, this severe muscle damage typically results in permanent loss of function and disability. The question then becomes, how can one recover from such a catastrophic injury?

Conventional rehabilitation methods for muscle injuries have long sought an efficient closed-loop gait rehabilitation system that combines lightweight exoskeletons and wearable/implantable devices.

Such a prosthetic system is crucial to assist patients in the process of regaining sensory and motor functions, particularly those linked to nerve and muscle damage. However, existing electronic materials are often rigid and incompatible with soft tissues, causing friction and potential inflammation that can impede patient rehabilitation.

The Injectable Hydrogel Solution

To overcome these limitations, the IBS researchers turned to hyaluronic acid, a substance commonly used as a wrinkle-smoothing filler. They used this material to develop an injectable hydrogel designed for “tissue prostheses.

“This hydrogel can temporarily fill the void left by missing muscle and nerve tissues, providing essential support while regeneration occurs. What sets this hydrogel apart is its injectable nature, making it suitable for narrow, deep, or small areas without the need for invasive surgeries.

The hydrogel boasts “tissue-like” properties, seamlessly integrating with biological tissues, even in hard-to-reach areas. Its reversible and irreversible crosslinks allow it to adapt to high shear stress during injection, ensuring excellent mechanical stability.

Additionally, the incorporation of gold nanoparticles imparts decent electrical properties to the hydrogel, facilitating the transmission of electrophysiological signals between injured tissues. Importantly, the hydrogel is biodegradable, eliminating the need for further surgeries.

Testing the Innovation

The researchers put their innovative approach to the test using rodent models. They simulated volumetric muscle loss injuries by removing a substantial portion of muscle from the hind legs of these animals.

By injecting the hydrogel and implanting stretchable tissue-interfacing devices for electrical sensing and stimulation, they successfully improved the gait in the “injured” rodents. The hydrogel prosthetics were combined with robot assistance, guided by muscle electromyography signals, resulting in enhanced gait without the need for nerve stimulation.

Moreover, the conductive hydrogel significantly improved muscle tissue regeneration over the long term.

The injectable conductive hydrogel developed in this study excels in electrophysiological signal recording and stimulation performance, offering immense potential for various applications. It represents a fresh approach to the realm of bioelectronic devices and holds promise as a soft tissue prosthesis for rehabilitation support.

Professor SHIN Mikyung, emphasizing the significance of this research, stated, “We’ve created an injectable, mechanically tough, and electrically conductive soft tissue prosthesis ideal for addressing severe muscle damage requiring neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation.

“The development of this injectable hydrogel, utilizing a novel cross-linking method, is a notable achievement. It is believed to have applicability not only in muscles and peripheral nerves but also in various organs like the brain and heart.

Professor SON Donghee added, “In this study, the closed-loop gait rehabilitation system involving the tough injectable hydrogel and stretchable, self-healing sensors could significantly enhance the rehabilitation prospects for patients with neurological and musculoskeletal challenges. It could also play a vital role in precise diagnosis and treatment across various organs in the human body.”

The research team is now focused on further studies to develop new materials for nerve and muscle tissue regeneration that can be implanted minimally invasively. They are also exploring the potential for recovery in various tissue damages through the injection of the conductive hydrogel, eliminating the need for open surgery.

This groundbreaking research offers hope to those suffering from severe muscle injuries, opening the door to a brighter future of rehabilitation and recovery.

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TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net