A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF COMMUNITY HEALTH OFFICERS' EXPERIENCES WITH TELEMEDICINE IN A RURAL BLOCK OF MADHYA PRADESH

Telemedicine implementation in Health and Wellness Centers facilitates consultation, screening and remote monitoring, allowing individuals to connect with health care providers, receive medical advice and promote wellness. This will improve access to specialists, support follow-up care, especially for patients with chronic diseases, and ultimately improve access to healthcare and better outcomes. Methods: Twenty-two semi-structured interviews with Community Health Officers working in a rural block of Madhya Pradesh were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis to assess their perspectives regarding the benefits and challenges of telemedicine. Results: Community Health Officers identified several advantages and challenges related to Telemedicine.Telemedicine offers promising opportunities to transform rural healthcare, enhancing accessibility, convenience, and patient-centred care. However, challenges in technical aspects,patient assessment,and data privacy must be addressed through appropriate training, policy frameworks, and patient education. Conclusions: Telemedicine ensures that patients in remote areas receive necessary and desired care, offering convenience and timely medical advice without disrupting daily activities. However, addressing technical challenges and privacy concerns while providing specialized training to healthcare providers can maximize its effectiveness and bridge the healthcare access gap for underserved populations