Teleconsultations by ekincare during COVID19 - A contribution to corporate employees’ health
With the implementation of lockdown, all clinics across India were required to temporarily shut down. Though it was an important measure to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 infection and save the lives of vulnerable people like the elderly, people with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, chronic respiratory diseases, and heart conditions, this measure had left a lot of people with chronic conditions that required regular follow-ups with no access to their doctors. People suffering from acute health care issues had no brick and mortar healthcare facility to go to and the issues were left unaddressed. The only option was to visit an emergency room and the experience of visiting an emergency room is not very pleasant and no one wants to go through the stress, especially when the health issue doesn’t require one to seek urgent care.
Telemedicine hence proved to be a boon and people were able to avail advice from the doctor at the comfort of their home without travel and contact with crowds. ekincare, a corporate health benefits platform, was one of the early telemedicine providers to the corporates helping them improve the health of their employees. ekincare provided 24*7 telemedicine services to employees of more than 600 companies and their dependents and witnessed a 221% increase in online doctor consultations.
ekincare enabled the COVID self-assessment tool for users on its mobile application and rendered medical guidance based on the symptoms and pre-existing medical conditions. Users who requested a call consultation got a call back from the doctor within 1 hour of time. Information about state health helpline numbers and the guidelines for eligibility for testing for COVID -19 infection helped in avoiding unwarranted visits to the healthcare facilities.
64% of the total consultations 4050, were taken by men and 36% by women. 52% were taken by people in the age group of 21 to 30 and 30% were taken by the age group 31 to 40 and 17%
included other age groups. 83% of consultations happened between 9 am and 9 pm. 17% of consultations happened between 9 pm and 9 am.
Health anxiety was the major reason for consultations and fear of having the COVID -19 infection, especially so when people had one of the symptoms of COVID-19, with many feeling assured after the consultation. The overall satisfaction rating of the users was 4.5.
Other issues on the CHAT consultations were majorly consisting of upper respiratory infections. Dermatological conditions including acne, hair fall, fungal infections, eczema were some of the medical conditions people consulted for and with the onset of summer, folliculitis and miliaria were an increasing concern. Gastrointestinal problems were common too; stress and anxiety exacerbating some of the problems.
Weight gain was a major concern for many people with the disruption of exercise routines and meal schedules. Nutrition advice along with virtual fitness sessions provided by ekincare during this period when the gymnasiums were closed, was the right combination to motivate people and help them take control of the problem. Musculoskeletal problems, genitourinary, and Ear Nose and Throat problems were some of the medical concerns.
People who have chronic conditions like diabetes and thyroid diseases that require frequent laboratory testing and a doctor to follow up the lab results, and advise regarding the adjustment of medication doses were helped.
Psychological issues like anxiety and stress reactions were on the rise. Worry, inability to focus, insomnia, tremor, occasionally chest pain, and shortness of breath were the presenting symptoms; which were caused by underlying feelings of hopelessness, uncertainty about the job, disruption of routines, and interpersonal conflicts. psychological counseling and guidance about maintaining routines, relaxation techniques, etc. were helpful.
Many women consulted regarding gynecological issues like a missed period, contraceptive advice, and men consulted regarding male sexual issues. Many young women were apprehensive about getting pregnant during COVID times. Pregnancy-related queries were addressed so that women can avoid a hospital visit whenever possible. Since vaccinations were on hold for a few days, many frantic mothers consulted with worry about delaying vaccinations for a few days.
