On-going research

Contribute to further science and research 

As part of my many interests to improve outcomes and experience in Endocrinology, I initiate and contribute to many global research projects, particularly in women’s health. As part of these initiatives, I need support from my patients. Just sharing a few details anonymously would help me further the cause. If you’re interested, please do visit the page regularly. Any new research projects and their requirements shall be updated here.

The Hospital Ethics Committee approves all research projects. They are observational only (usually need just a form filled and do not involve any intervention) and are completely anonymous. No personal information will be shared with any third party at any time. If published in a scientific journal, all findings will be anonymised for privacy purposes.

My Research Mantra:

When I started my training and early career, like all other budding health care professionals, I focussed my research on purely medical aspects of all conditions – QUANTITATIVE research which I presented at various international conferences ( AACE / IDF) and published in scientific journals (Anticancer meds, Telethyroidology, Menopause and Diabetes, Insulin stewardship and SECURE protocol for insulin therapy, Malaria, Stroke)

As my practice evolved, I realised that dealing with any condition’s medical aspects is relatively easy as there is a scientific basis taught to us in medical school. But being a doctor is about more than just blood tests and medications. Understanding the person’s context (profession, gender, age), their unique needs, and state of mind is also important. Equally important is the way we communicate with the person. I learned gradually that scolding and berating people is counterproductive while an empathetic, compassionate approach is very effective.

E.g., two people have the same X condition – do the same Y blood tests – are prescribed the same Z medications but

1) Rushed, cursory consultation with poor communication = POOR RESULTS

2) Positive, compassionate communication – GREAT RESULTS

The communication style and the consultation approach can be the difference between treatment outcomes, all other things being the same.

This is how I ventured into QUALITATIVE RESEARCH.

Language and Communication between doctors and patients during the consultation for diabetes LANGUAGE MATTERS, the psychosocial aspects of chronic conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS SEVA study) are looking into detail the mental health, body image perception, sexual function and clinic experience in these women) how Healthcare workers approach people with diabetes (under publication), how doctors speak to women Transitioning through menopause and the relationship between girls with PCOS and their mothers (understanding, expectations from the doctor and chief concerns).

This research helps me improve my practice as I understand better what people need from doctors and what they are experiencing. It also allows me to make other doctors aware of the patient’s needs.

All of this ultimately helps me reach my final goal – Improve Patient experience not only of their condition but also with healthcare professionals!

Happy patients = Good outcomes = Happy Doctors – WIN-WIN for all concerned.

In this youtube link, we help your patients understand the crux of conversations with physicians and help encourage physicians to focus on key aspects expected by patients, as determined in several surveys.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK43HuU64hA

Blue Morpho Survey

Blue Morpho Survey is the brainchild of PunithKempegowda and his team at the University of Birmingham, UK. It is an endeavour to understand the experiences of people with PCOS from across the world. Understanding nuances like time to diagnose PCOS, body image concerns, eating habits, sexual function, and mental health challenges will help design better clinic experiences and build support systems to help people with PCOS as they deem appropriate.
If you are diagnosed with or suspected to have PCOS, please click on the link below to let us know about your experience. The survey is completely confidential, and your personal details will not be shared with any third party.

https://bham.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/pcos-seva-blue-morpho-community-survey-india