Los Angeles to Mumbai: providing palliation using technology

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Palliative Care Medicine
• Telemedicine

Background:

• The internet facilitates knowledge transfer across geographical barriers, crucial for advancing patient care.
• Bridging the knowledge gap in specialized medical fields like palliative care is essential for global health equity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of internet-based interactive sessions in palliative care.
• To reduce the knowledge disparity in palliative care between Los Angeles and Mumbai.
• To enhance physician confidence in managing advanced illness and end-of-life care.

Main Methods:

• Utilized interactive online sessions connecting a physician in Los Angeles with a palliative care team in Mumbai.
• Focused on knowledge exchange and application in managing patients with advanced illnesses over two months.
• Emphasized building physician confidence in palliative care practices.

Main Results:

• Participating physicians in India reported a significant increase in confidence managing advanced symptoms and end-of-life care.
• Patients receiving care experienced symptom relief following treatment initiation.
• Facilitated a valuable exchange of information and ideas between international medical teams.

Conclusions:

• Internet-based interventions are effective tools for narrowing medical knowledge gaps across distances.
• This model can be replicated in other medical disciplines and educational fields for remote learning and teaching.
• Telemedicine approaches enhance physician capabilities and improve patient outcomes in palliative care.