Adopting telehealth service for lymphedema care: Insights from a Filariasis Management Clinic, Puducherry, India

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease affecting communities in tropical and subtropical regions marked by poor socio-economic conditions. Regular hospital-based follow-up and home-based Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) are below par among LF patients due to reasons ranging from travelling costs to stigma. Telehealth interventions are suggested as a promising adjunct tool in such scenarios, integrating medical expertise and accessibility, but rarely used for LF. This article reflects on the insights from an LF clinic on the potential of telehealth interventions in enabling patients to access medical care and improving their home-based MMDP. Despite challenges like poor digital literacy and access to technology, the telehealth service facilitated remote consultations and dissemination of educational materials, allowing clinicians to monitor patient conditions and provide necessary medical guidance. The approach has shown substantial potential in improving lymphedema care, particularly in resource-limited settings, by offering a feasible solution to the barriers faced by traditional healthcare delivery. The pilot program underscores the importance of continued research and adaptation to optimize telehealth interventions for chronic disease management, ensuring comprehensive and accessible care for underserved populations.