Health Informatics, Community, and Home Care in India: An Investigative Study

Background: Health informatics, leveraging technology to manage and analyze health data, is transforming healthcare delivery in India, particularly in community and home care settings. With a vast population and diverse geography, India faces challenges in healthcare access, making digital tools like telemedicine and mobile health (mHealth) applications vital for enhancing care beyond traditional facilities. Objective: This study aims to explore the current state, perceived benefits, and challenges of implementing health informatics in community and home care across India, focusing on adoption and effectiveness. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Pune district, Maharashtra, from January to March 2025, involving 385 participants (192 healthcare providers and 193 patients/caregivers). Structured questionnaires assessed awareness, usage, benefits, and barriers to digital health tools, including telemedicine, mHealth apps, and electronic health records (EHRs). Results: Awareness was high (85% of providers, 72% of patients/caregivers), with telemedicine used by 68% of providers and 55% of patients/caregivers. Benefits included improved accessibility (80% rural patients), enhanced communication (70% providers), and better health management (60% patients). However, challenges like unreliable internet (65% rural areas), low digital literacy (45% older adults), and data privacy concerns (40%) hindered adoption. Conclusion: Health informatics significantly enhances community and home care in India, yet its potential remains constrained by infrastructural and literacy barriers. Overcoming these challenges through improved connectivity, user-friendly designs, and robust data security is essential for equitable and effective healthcare delivery. Keywords: Health informatics, Community care, Home care, Digital health, India