Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Telemedicine for Evidence-Based Health Care
Author: Laxminarayan S. Baviskar
SRISHTI-Healthcare Incubator, SMBT Group
Introduction
In today’s rapidly changing health care landscape, the convergence of technology and medicine is not just a possibility—it’s a reality. Over the years, I have personally witnessed the evolution of evidence-based health care (EBHC) practices and the rise of telemedicine as a revolutionary tool for addressing global health challenges. Since starting my work at SRISHTI-Healthcare Incubator, I’ve seen how entrepreneurs can harness these innovations to improve patient outcomes and make health care more accessible and affordable—especially in underserved communities in rural Maharashtra, India.
This blog, rooted in my personal experiences and research, will explore how telemedicine, grounded in EBHC, is creating entrepreneurial opportunities for a new generation of health care leaders.
A Personal Journey with Telemedicine
Telemedicine has come a long way since its early days when radios were used to communicate medical advice to sailors in remote locations. When I first engaged with telemedicine platforms, I was amazed by their potential—not just in convenience but in reshaping health care delivery. One of my most memorable projects involved bringing remote diagnostics to patients in tribal areas, where access to modern health care was limited. These patients, who faced significant delays in care, could receive timely consultations with specialists via telemedicine—an excellent illustration of its transformative potential.
Telemedicine platforms powered by evidence-based principles aren’t merely technological novelties; they are vital tools for democratizing health care. By integrating data-driven health care insights into patient care, entrepreneurs can unlock vast opportunities for both patients and medical professionals.
Tackling Real-World Problems with Evidence-Based Telemedicine
The most exciting aspect of telemedicine is how it addresses real-world challenges head on. At SRISHTI, we focus on overcoming barriers to health care access, particularly in rural India. One lesson I’ve learned is that telemedicine isn’t just about technology; it’s about solving genuine human problems.
For instance, many patients in remote regions wait for hours, even days, for basic health care services. Through telemedicine, we’ve reduced wait times to mere minutes. We’ve deployed evidence-based telemedicine solutions that uphold clinical best practices, even when a patient consults a doctor hundreds of miles away. This practical impact goes beyond theory; it changes lives.
Moreover, the challenges of rising health care costs, strained health care systems, and variability in care quality can all be addressed through evidence-based telemedicine. I’ve observed how telemedicine allows health care providers to prioritize critical cases while efficiently managing routine consultations with remote specialists, alleviating the burden on overcrowded clinics and hospitals.
Entrepreneurship: Where Evidence Meets Innovation
For health care entrepreneurs, there’s a unique intersection where innovation and evidence-based practice converge. During my tenure at SRISHTI, I’ve seen the evolution of AI-powered telemedicine platforms that integrate patient data and clinical research to enhance diagnostic accuracy. For example, we implemented an AI-driven platform that analyzed patient symptoms and provided evidence-based treatment recommendations. A notable case involved a diabetic patient who received customized treatment advice after the AI system cross-referenced her history with the latest clinical research—all from the comfort of her home. Success stories like this demonstrate the tangible benefits of telemedicine grounded in real evidence.
Another crucial element is data interoperability. Our team has worked diligently to create platforms that seamlessly integrate with existing health care records, ensuring a holistic view of each patient's medical history. Without such integration, telemedicine risks becoming fragmented. When EBHC principles are effectively applied, telemedicine can personalize treatments, ensuring that no patient feels like just another case number.
The Human Side of Innovation
Recognizing the human aspect of health care is vital for success in telemedicine entrepreneurship. My experiences in an incubator environment have shown me that while technology is powerful, it’s the human connection that drives adoption and trust. Many patients, particularly in rural areas, are initially sceptical of telemedicine, viewing it as impersonal. That’s why we focus on making telemedicine platforms more than just diagnostic tools—they empower patients.
At SRISHTI, we prioritize creating intuitive and user-friendly telemedicine platforms, providing educational resources that enable patients to make informed health decisions. For example, we developed a video tutorial specifically for elderly patients on using our telemedicine platform. This simple gesture addressed their concerns and fostered trust and engagement. It reminds me that health care isn’t solely about machines and data; it’s about people.
A Glimpse into the Future of Telemedicine
Looking ahead, the future of telemedicine in EBHC is promising. I’ve seen first-hand how it has transformed health care delivery during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, its future role will extend beyond emergency responses; it will fundamentally reshape how health care is delivered worldwide. Entrepreneurs entering this space have the opportunity to redefine health care through cross-border collaborations and innovative partnerships that dismantle geographical and economic barriers.
The key question is not whether telemedicine will change health care—but how quickly and effectively we can integrate it into the system. From my perspective, the answer lies in using an evidence-based approach as the foundation for all innovation.
Final Thoughts on Telemedicine and EBHC
Reflecting on my journey, one thing is clear: telemedicine holds incredible potential, but it must be rooted in real-world, evidence-based practices to unlock its full value. As entrepreneurs and health care leaders, we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to ensure that this technology serves those who need it most. Whether we’re developing new AI-driven platforms or innovative ways to connect with patients in rural areas, our success will be measured not just by the technology we create, but by the lives we change along the way.
In conclusion, telemedicine and EBHC are not abstract concepts; they are practical tools for solving the challenges we face in modern health care. The journey is far from over, and as someone deeply immersed in this field, I can say with certainty: the best is yet to come.
References
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Evidence-based practice in telehealth. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/collections/evaluates-telehealth
American Telemedicine Association. Telemedicine: A guide for health care providers. https://www.americantelemed.org/resources/the-ata-telehealth-essentials-guide-for-healthcare-providers/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Telehealth for public health. https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthypeople/toolsresources/telehealth.html
Harvard Business Review. The telehealth revolution: Why it’s here to stay. https://hbr.org/2020/07/the-telehealth-revolution-why-its-here-to-stay
McKinsey & Company. The future of telehealth: A perspective on COVID-19 and beyond. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare/our-insights/telehealth-a-quarter-trillion-dollar-post-covid-19-reality
National Institutes of Health. The role of telehealth in enhancing health care access and outcomes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7578669/
PubMed Central. Evidence-based telemedicine: A review of the literature. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164204/
Schreiweis, B., Pobiruchin, M., Strotbaum, V., Suleder J., Wiesner, M., & Bergh, B. (20129). Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of eHealth services: Systematic literature analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(11):e14197
doi: 10.2196/14197
World Health Organization. Telemedicine: Opportunities and developments in Member States. https://www.afro.who.int/publications/telemedicine-opportunities-and-developments-member-state
To link to this article - DOI: https://doi.org/10.70253/VEEZ6690
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this World EBHC Day Blog, as well as any errors or omissions, are the sole responsibility of the author and do not represent the views of the World EBHC Day Steering Committee, Official Partners or Sponsors; nor does it imply endorsement by the aforementioned parties.
