Acceptability, benefits, and challenges of teleconsultation: A qualitative study among doctors in Manipur

Background and objectives Teleconsultation through eSanjeevani can reduce the burden on secondary and tertiary hospitals and meet healthcare delivery challenges in rural and remote areas. This study explored doctors' perspectives to assess the acceptability of teleconsultation and to identify perceived benefits and challenges of teleconsultation services in Manipur. Methods A qualitative study was conducted from January to May 2024 among doctors registered with eSanjeevani in Manipur. In-depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected doctors from different districts, and data were analysed thematically using an abductive approach. Thematic saturation was achieved after 11 interviews. Results Involved doctors perceived teleconsultation as acceptable to patients, doctors, and the health system. Participants reported improved access to general and specialist care in remote areas, with reduced travel, costs, and time for patients. Key benefits included early case identification, timely referral, follow up of chronic diseases, and maintenance of electronic medical records. Community health officers (CHOs) played an important role in enhancing consultation quality and acceptability. Major challenges included poor network connectivity, limited direct physical examination, limited public awareness, unclear guidelines, increased workload due to the absence of designated telemedicine doctors, the absence of regular review mechanisms, and limited availability of medicines and diagnostic facilities at peripheral facilities. Interpretation and conclusions Teleconsultation was acceptable and beneficial in improving access to healthcare, despite persistent operational challenges. Designating dedicated telemedicine doctors with structured rosters, regular specialist scheduling, capacity-building for CHOs, improved dissemination of guidelines, IEC-based awareness generation, and stakeholder motivation are essential for sustaining teleconsultation services.