SPARSH electronic sub-health centers (e-SHCs) – A model of nurse-run SHCs supported by general practitioners through telemedicine

BACKGROUND: The primary health care services in India suffer from inconsistent availability of providers, lack of quality, poor availability of medicines and diagnostics, and a poorly functioning referral linkage. A multi-pronged approach is required to address these issues. METHODS: We describe here a model of electronic sub-health centers (e-SHCs) managed by trained nurses supported by a general practitioner over telemedicine. The e-SHCs are expected to meet two objectives – 1) to create a point of comprehensive primary health care delivery at an affordable cost and 2) to create a referral support system backed by information technology and physical movement. RESULTS: The model is described in nine sections – service delivery framework, human resources, diagnostics, infrastructure, quality improvement, health management information system, materials management, financing, and branding. It is a video-based real-time (synchronous) health worker to the registered medical practitioner telemedicine facility. The model has been compared with five other telemedicine and five other tele-rehabilitation models. CONCLUSION: Although there are inherent challenges to operationalize this model, it also presents a unique opportunity of testing an innovative approach of providing quality primary health care at an affordable cost. The process will generate learnings for addressing the primary care health care delivery gaps in the country.