Abstract
Aim: In this feasibility study, we aimed to implement a pilot
telemedicine service at our healthcare facility in Faisalabad, Pakistan,
and describe our experience.
Methods: Telemedicine service was established by Faisalabad
Medical University at two of its affiliated locations: 1) A 24-hour
COVID-19 Telephone Helpline was established at Director Emergency
Office, Allied Hospital and District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital. 2) A
Telemedicine Clinic comprising consultants and postgraduate residents
from different specialties was established at Chief Office, Allied
Hospital. The data related to the number and categories of calls and
advice provided was collected from 27th March 2020 till 31st July 2020.
Results: A total of 4582 calls were received, at both
locations, during the study period, out of which 2325 callers (51%)
were male, and 2257 (49%) were females. At Allied Hospital, 172
patients were advised accordingly for their complaints, whereas, at DHQ
Hospital, 320 patients were advised accordingly for their complaints. At
the telemedicine clinic only, a total of 2436 calls were received during
the study period, 1474 (60%) callers were male, and 962 (40%) were
female. The majority of the calls were received by medicine (43%),
dermatology (21%), and pediatrics (11%) specialties, respectively.
Conclusion: Despite some limitations, the benefits of
telemedicine in this COVID-19 era are enormous and it is feasible to
implement telemedicine services in developing countries. The developing
countries must invest in the internet and technology access to
facilitate telemedicine and other e-health services for not only curbing
this pandemic but also to promote a more efficient healthcare system
after the pandemic.
Keywords: Telemedicine; COVID-19; feasibility study; e-health;
pandemic.