Pilot study on the effectiveness of telemedicine in improving the quality of diabetes care of the rural Nepal

The use of telecommunication in the field of medicine is very limited in Nepal. Despite huge potential of improving access of the sub-urban and rural communities with the urban-based health care professionals for expert consultation, the use of the telecommunication technology remains largely unexplored. In light of the facts, a comparative study was conducted at a rural community in Makwanpur. In total 40 patients (20 in each group) were selected for the study with an objective to test the feasibility and effectiveness of telemedicine in improving the quality of diabetes care in an experimental group and control group in Makwanpur district. In the intervention group, diabetes care was provided with tele-consultation for diabetes care mediated via local doctor. The outcome was compared with a control group based in an urban community with treatment as usual in their community. The study results showed that the use of telemedicine is a feasible alternative to provide diabetes care in rural Nepal. Overall fasting blood sugar was better controlled in the control group whereas there was significant improvements in micro albumin were observed in the interventional group. Similarly, the knowledge of the respondents on various aspects of the disease was also found to be better in the interventional group than in the control group. Majority of the respondents (90%) felt telemedicine service is less expensive than the service they had taken before.