Download PDF
CC BY 4.0 · Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol 2024; 45(03): 256-262
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787150
Original Article

TechCare: Transformative Innovations in Addressing the Psychosocial Challenges of Cancer Care in Kerala, India

Mohammed Raqib 
1   Department of Liberal Arts, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
,
Prema Naittee George 
1   Department of Liberal Arts, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
› Author Affiliations Funding Mohammed Raqib was supported by MHRD NET Fellowship for PhD student from the Ministry of Education India. Prema Naittee George was supported by Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) from the Indian Council of Medical Research India (ICMR).
› Further Information
Also available at
   Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

As the global burden of cancer continues to escalate, the holistic care of patients demands innovative approaches that extend beyond medical interventions. This article delves into the transformative landscape of cancer care in Kerala, India, focusing on the intersection of technology and psycho-oncology. Examining the role of the state government, Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), and individual startups and institutions, including Malabar Cancer Institute and Cochin Cancer Research Centre, we explore how technological innovations, telemedicine, and e-health solutions are actively shaping psycho-oncological support. Leveraging on case studies, we identify notable innovations, including artificial intelligence-based cancer screening, personalized treatment plans, and mental health support. The results signify a paradigm shift toward comprehensive, patient-centric cancer care, potentially influencing broader health care strategies. Despite acknowledging regional specificity and potential biases, the study underscores the transformative role of technological entrepreneurship in revolutionizing cancer care, paving avenues for future research for integrating psycho-oncological support in health care policies and startup initiatives. Overall, the article highlights the evolving landscape in Kerala as a beacon for holistic and patient-centric strategies that prioritize mental health alongside medical interventions.

Keywords

psycho-oncology - Kerala model of health care - medical Innovation - social innovation - cancer care - Kerala Startup Mission - tech-entrepreneurship

Patients' Consent

Informed consent was obtained from all study participants.


Authors' Contributions

All authors contributed to the study's conception and design material preparation, data collection, and analysis of the manuscript. All authors commented on all previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.


Ethical Approval

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional research committee (Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC), IIT Hyderabad (IITH/IEC/2021/12/13)) and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.




Publication History

Article published online:
26 June 2024

© 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
A-12, 2nd Floor, Sector 2, Noida-201301 UP, India