THE CONTEXT
VIDS, which has been incorporating the latest technologies to optimize workflow and data management, is supported by a dedicated in-house IT department which ensures all operations of the institute are automated and computerized.
After initial glitches, the practice has been integrated seamlessly in our academic program. A good example is biometric facial recognition, used by students and staff alike for day-to-day attendance.
THE PRACTICE
A. “THE HMS – HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM”
Each patient allotted a digital card and unique ID has their data entered at every department on digital program that can be retrieved at any other department at any time.
At present, GHealth online program is being used which will be replaced by the more robust VYKO, which in phase II will be implemented in VIDS.
B. “ONLINE PRESCRIPTIONS”
Prescriptions done through online prescription makes it easier for patient to procure correct medication with no abuse of a written prescription. Listing of drugs is under generic names which improves decision making for the students.
C. “DMS: DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM”
Pharmacy and store related indenting is done online following the various approvals at different levels of administration.
All medico-legal cases documentation is maintained in the EMD in the digital format.
D. “DIGITAL EVALUATION”
Digital evaluation of scanned answer script is done on campus under the affiliation of RGUHS. This cuts down time in transportation of the answer booklets, reduces the risk of mishandling.
E. “DIGITAL LIBRARY”
The college is part of the HELINET consortium of RGUHS which offers many e-journals, e-books, and database which has had a tremendous impact on the academic performance of the students.
F. “VASA” VYDEHI ADVANCED SIMULATION ACADEMY
Vydehi advanced simulation academy, Asia’s largest high fidelity medical simulation facility with a capacity to accommodate 350+ students is highly beneficial in training students.
G. “ADMINISTRATION”
Staff, both teaching and non-teaching, have biometric finger or face or smart card for identification purposes. All communication including circulars, notifications are done online with WhatsApp groups used for internal communication.
Students through an online portal- CAMPUS MEDICINE can find their attendance, internal marks and other essential information which can also be accessed by parents.
H. “3D CLASSES”
An innovative idea introduced for better comprehension of topics was the introduction of 3D classes which proved to be easier than 2D teaching or demonstration on cadavers.
I. DIGITALIZATION USAGE IN VYDEHI TRANSPORT FACILITY
The transport systems in Vydehi use an in-built GPS system for bus tracking, used by students, staff and parents.
J. COMPUTER ON WHEELS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
The EMD uses “computer on wheel”, which decreases the response time, data of which can be transferred across various departments when needed.
K. DIGITALIZATION OF VYDEHI DURING THE PANDEMIC
In 2020, the college launched online consultation for patients along with COVID testing, i.e. RTPCR, gene expert and RAT reporting done through online.
The IT department had also set up online-classes with regular Internals assessment conducted.
Under the aegis of GOK and RGUHS, home isolation was also monitored
L. “DIGITAL IMAGING”
Digital imaging techniques like OPG, RVG, CBCT are used for more detailed diagnosis, which teaches students advanced imaging technique while being more patient friendly. CD report is given to patients.
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS
Digitalization has shown an overall improvement in the performance of the students as the overall pass percentage has improved while also being useful at patient management.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND RESOURCES REQUIRED
Certain problems faced in transition was the frequent power cuts, adapting skills for students and staff, availability of computers, patients not carrying smart devices.
THE CONTEXT
The institution’s mission towards the society, especially for the under privileged has been actively organizing numerous community outreach programs, designed to provide relevant approach to dental health care needs and create opportunity for students to delve into research.
THE PRACTICE
A. “Kannamangala”
Highly subsidized treatments are given to patients at the satellite center catered to provide health care to the rural population.
B. “Public health camps”
Camps, organized by the Department of public health dentistry and the department of pediatric dentistry, provide basic dental treatments including oral prophylaxis, restorations and restorative treatment free of cost along with awareness on oral hygiene with discounted rate for surgical referrals.
C. “Hi-Tech Mobile Dental Van”
VIDS has a well-equipped 2 dental chair mobile dental clinic which aids students and staff in the camps.
D. “Danta Bhagya Yojane”
Department of Prosthodontics, under Karnataka government scheme of ‘Danta Bhagya Yojane’, delivers free dentures to senior citizens below the poverty line which also helps the students clinical learning and geriatric patient management.
E. “Pediatric policy”
Since 2018 VIDS in collaboration with numerous trusts, has been offering 12 surgeries annually to pediatric patients, parents of whom fall under the BPL category, free of cost.
F. “Outreach Programs”
Department of Pediatrics with various trusts and foundations cater to children who belong to the lower socio-economic strata which has also helped students by exposing them towards pediatric patient management.
G. “Tobacco cessation center”
VIDS cessation center serves as an opportunity to teach the students clinical aspect of tobacco consumption and patient counseling.
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS
Over many years through camps a vast number of the population have received oral health care and education while allowing students to have access to a wide variety of cases, improve their communication skills.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
Minor procedures can be done in camps but more extensive procedures cannot due to limitation in the equipment. Huge number of population which actually require oral health programs reside in geographic areas which are difficult to reach and may not have resources to conduct program.