Leveraging Telemedicine for Effective Tuberculosis Management in Remote and Underserved Areas

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor and HOD, Department of TB and Chest, Dr. Sonelal Patel Autonomous State Medical College, Pratapgarh

2 Scientist, Department of Advanced Centre for Traditional and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India- 221005.

3 Assistant Professor, Dept- Human Body Structure and Function, Medical University of the Americas

Abstract

This study investigates the transformative potential of telemedicine in managing tuberculosis (TB) in remote and underserved areas. TB remains a critical public health challenge, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations with limited access to healthcare services. By leveraging digital technologies, telemedicine presents innovative solutions to bridge healthcare access gaps, facilitate early diagnosis, enhance treatment adherence, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. The study conducts a comprehensive review of existing literature on the effectiveness of telemedicine in TB management, identifying key barriers to implementation, including socio-cultural, technological, and regulatory challenges. It emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities to address these obstacles effectively.
Additionally, the research highlights successful telemedicine interventions that have demonstrated improved health outcomes and increased patient engagement in TB care. The findings underscore the vital role of telemedicine in supporting universal health coverage and reducing global health disparities in TB management. By effectively integrating telemedicine into TB care strategies, health systems can ensure that even the most marginalized populations receive the necessary support for early diagnosis and treatment adherence, ultimately contributing to the global fight against TB.

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