Global Health
Evaluating the Impact of Telemedicine Mobile Units on Health Outcomes, Healthcare System Resilience, and Disaster Response in Flood-Affected Areas: A Case Study of Sehat Kahani Hamna Khuld* Hamna Khuld
This study explores the implementation of telemedicine services through mobile units in the context of flood emergencies, examining their impact on health outcomes, mortality rates, and healthcare system resilience in disaster-affected areas. Sehat Kahani, a healthcare initiative, introduced a two-tier telehealth model involving physical camps, mobile units, and a telehealth app. Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including Sehat Kahani staff, healthcare providers, beneficiaries, funders, and top-level management, gather insights. The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive assessments, budget analysis, collaboration with government agencies, and partnerships with corporate entities. Accessibility concerns in telehealth services were addressed through Sehat Kahani’s multi-tiered model, which combines mobile clinics with a user-friendly telehealth app. Security, privacy, and confidentiality were prioritized, adhering to data protection regulations such as HIPAA. Effective training programs for healthcare professionals focused on empathy, rapport building, and technical proficiency. Sehat Kahani’s scalability measures and preparedness for increased patient volume ensured efficient telehealth service delivery during disasters. The case study concludes that Sehat Kahani’s comprehensive approach, covering resource analysis, accessibility, security, scalability, training, evaluation, collaboration, and sustainability, successfully integrates telehealth into disaster relief efforts. This model is poised to influence future telehealth initiatives in disaster response scenarios.
Keywords: Telemedicine services, disaster relief, mobile unit, developing nations, resource analysis, flood emergencies.