Physicians’ experiences with telemedicine after the publication of India’s Telemedicine Practice Guidelines

Background Digital health is an important factor in India’s healthcare system. Inclusive policy measures, a fertile technological landscape, and relevant infrastructural development with unprecedented levels of telemedicine adoption, catalysed by the COVID-19 pandemic, have thrown open new possibilities and opportunities for clinicians, end-users, and other stakeholders. Nevertheless, several challenges remain in properly integrating and scaling telemedicine in India. This study’s objective was to understand the views of practising physicians in India on the use of telemedicine, with a particular focus on the period after the release of India’s Telemedicine Practice Guidelines in India, after which telemedicine was rapidly implemented. Methods We acquired data through an anonymous, internet-based survey (with a cross-sectional time perspective) of 444 physicians across India. These responses were subjected to qualitative data analysis (via inductive coding and thematic analyses) and descriptive statistics, as appropriate. Results Most responses (n=51) were categorised under a code indicating that telemedicine-led healthcare delivery compromised treatment quality. The second largest proportion of responses (n=22) suggested that ‘Accessibility, quality and maturity of software and hardware infrastructure’ was a considerable challenge. Conclusions Despite the considerable uptake, perceived benefits, and the foreseen positive role of telemedicine in India in delivering universal coverage, several challenges of telemedicine use (viz., technical, user experience-based integration, and non-user-based integration challenges) have been identified, which need to be addressed to realise telemedicine’s potential. Several relevant opportunities are suggested to inform policy and practice to ensure effective utilisation of telemedicine in India.