The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, has introduced a pioneering software designed to enhance diabetes care across remote primary healthcare centres (PHCs). This advanced tool processes patient data, including critical health markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, to provide tailored treatment recommendations and medication options.
Dr. Nikhil Tandon, Head of the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at AIIMS, shared insights on the development and impact of the software. The Clinical Decision Support Software (CDSS) emerged from a nine-year randomized control trial involving over 1,100 patients across ten private and public hospitals. This trial demonstrated the software’s effectiveness in reducing diabetes-related complications by 32%, particularly in low and middle-income countries including India and Pakistan.
Dr. Tandon emphasized the software’s potential to revolutionize diabetes management, noting that patients adhering to the CDSS protocol were nearly twice as likely to reach and maintain optimal levels of blood sugar, blood pressure, and LDL-cholesterol compared to those receiving standard care.
Expanding Access to Specialized Care
According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), diabetes affects approximately 101 million people in India. The AIIMS software could significantly impact public health management by integrating with the National Programme for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Discussions are underway with government officials to incorporate the software into patient electronic health records.
Dr. Tandon outlined the current challenges in diabetes care, including widespread unawareness of the disease, non-compliance with treatment, and inadequate diagnosis in remote areas. The CDSS aims to address these issues by providing precise treatment recommendations based on data inputs, which can alleviate the burden on healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes.
How the Software Functions
The software operates on a rule-based algorithm derived from a compilation of 2,000-2,500 patient scenarios, symptoms, and treatment guidelines. While it excels in providing evidence-based recommendations, it does not account for lifestyle changes, which may also affect patient health. Thus, healthcare providers are encouraged to integrate these recommendations with individualized patient assessments.
Dr. Tandon explained that the software can suggest modifications to medication dosages based on the patient’s current condition and previous treatments. However, it cannot address emotional or mental health factors, which also influence disease management.
User Accessibility and Integration
The software is designed to be user-friendly, requiring only basic computer skills for operation. It allows for the input of patient data and provides recommendations for adjusting medication doses or treatment plans. A care coordinator, typically a computer operator, manages the software, while the electronic health record system consolidates patient information to support decision-making.
Developed as part of the Center for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in South Asia (CARRS) study, the CDSS represents a collaborative effort by AIIMS, the Centre for Chronic Disease Control, and the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), among other partners. The initiative aims to bridge the gap in diabetes care and enhance treatment accessibility across diverse healthcare settings.
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