“ROLE OF UTILIZATION OF TELERADIOLOGY SERVICES IN RURAL INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY”

Abstract

Background:
Access to radiology services in rural India remains limited due to shortage of radiologists and inadequate infrastructure, leading to delays in diagnosis and unnecessary referrals. Teleradiology has emerged as a promising solution by enabling electronic transmission of images for expert interpretation, improving accessibility and timeliness of care. However, evidence on its utilization and impact in rural Indian settings is limited.

Aim:
To assess the role of teleradiology services in rural community health centres (CHCs) of Gondia district in terms of accessibility, turnaround time, clinical utility, and patient satisfaction.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 to March 2020 across three rural hospitals (CHCs) of Gondia district. A total of 60 admitted patients (20 from each CHC) who underwent radiological investigations using teleradiology services were included. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire capturing demographic details, type of imaging study, turnaround time, satisfaction with reporting, and clinical utility. Turnaround time was measured from requisition to delivery of final report. Satisfaction was rated on a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, with results expressed as frequencies, percentages, and means.

Results:
Of the 60 patients, the majority underwent X-ray (70%), followed by ultrasound (20%) and CT scan (10%). The mean turnaround time was 5.6 ± 2.1 hours; 71.7% of reports were delivered within 6 hours, 23.3% within 7–12 hours, and only 5% beyond 12 hours. Overall, 81.7% of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied with teleradiology services, while 5% expressed dissatisfaction. Clinical utility was high, with 76.7% of treating physicians reporting that teleradiology reports directly guided immediate management decisions, and 18.3% noting their usefulness in referral decisions.

Conclusion:
Teleradiology significantly improved access to diagnostic services in rural Gondia district by reducing delays and avoiding unnecessary referrals. High patient satisfaction and clinician-reported clinical utility highlight its potential as a sustainable model to strengthen rural healthcare delivery. Expansion of teleradiology to other rural regions, supported by infrastructure development and training, is strongly recommended.