Healthcare Providers' Perspectives on Telemedicine for NCD Management During and After COVID-19 in India: A...

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality, with India bearing a substantial share of this burden. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine clinical care and accelerated the transition to telemedicine for chronic disease management. This study explores healthcare providers' perspectives on the use of telemedicine for NCD care during and after the pandemic, including its perceived benefits, limitations, and future relevance within the broader digital health landscape. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 purposively selected healthcare providers with experience in telemedicine for NCD care between February and June 2025, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using NVivo 15. Providers reported that telemedicine supported continuity of care, reduced the need for in-person visits, facilitated medication adherence, and offered reassurance for patients during periods of restricted mobility. However, limitations were identified, including the inability to conduct physical examinations, connectivity challenges, and low digital literacy, particularly among older adults. While overall satisfaction with telemedicine was positive, participants emphasized the need for strengthened digital infrastructure, greater patient awareness, and simplified platforms to improve usability. The findings underscore telemedicine's continued relevance for NCD management beyond the pandemic, contingent on improved accessibility and system integration.