INVESTIGATING THE FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF TELEHEALTH SERVICES IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Telehealth has been described as health care provided remotely to a patient in a separate location using two-way voice and visual communication (as by computer or cellphone) (American Psychological Association, 2020). Telehealth sometimes called telemedicine lets health care provider provide care without an in-person office visit (Baron, Hirani & Newman, 2015). Telehealth is done primarily online with internet access on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. However, it is pertinent to mention that telehealth does not focus on creating new or different health care services but rather innovating the delivery of existing healthcare services with the use of technology (APA, 2020). On the clinical side, telehealth bridges the distance between patient and health care provider by allowing patients to remain in their communities while being seen by a health care provider at a distant site (APA, 2020). 

Research reveals that telehealth and telemedicine are used interchangeably (Saleh et al, 2022). The American Telemedicine Association even asserted that telemedicine and telehealth both describe the use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications to improve patients’ health status, although evolving definitions sometimes distinguish direct patient clinical services under telemedicine and a broader range of remote health care services under telehealth (APA, 2020).

Based on the foregoing, ‘telehealth’ and ‘telemedicine’ shall be used interchangeably in the course of this paper. The World Health Organization defined telemedicine as delivery of health care services, where distance is a critical factor, by all health care professionals using information and communication technologies for the exchange of valid information for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease and injuries, research and evaluation, and for the continuing education of health care providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and their communities (World Health Organization, 2020). There are various forms of telehealth, including Remote Monitoring, also known as self-monitoring or self-testing, which utilizes a range of technological devices to keep tabs on the health and clinical signs of a patient remotely (WHO, 2020). Remote monitoring is greatly applied in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and asthma (WHO, 2020). The advantages of remote monitoring telehealth include increased patient monitoring, cost effectiveness, and better patient satisfaction (WHO, 2020). Its disadvantages include inaccuracy in tests conducted by non-professionals like the patients themselves, wrong diagnosis where symptoms are common to multiple ailments, and similar challenges (WHO, 2020).  Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of telehealth services in Nigeria.

Statement of the Problem

Telehealth appears to have been both efficient and successful. An important factor contributing to the growth of telehealth initiatives is the rising prevalence of mobile phones and internet access throughout the country, which serves as a fundamental infrastructure. This technology progress has not only made communication easier but also enabled telehealth platforms to reach distant and underprivileged people. 

Nevertheless, despite these technological breakthroughs, there are various obstacles that hinder the mainstream acceptance and implementation. An essential determinant is the disparate allocation of healthcare facilities and resources, namely between urban and rural regions (Oyeleye et al., 2021). Although urban locations in Nigeria often enjoy superior healthcare access and technological resources in comparison to rural regions, where the lack of infrastructure poses obstacles to the deployment of telehealth services (NPC, 2020). Furthermore, apprehensions regarding the legal framework and data protection rules also play a role in the careful acceptance of telehealth solutions by both healthcare practitioners and patients (NITDA, 2020). 

The socio-economic factors in Nigeria significantly influence the patterns of telehealth adoption. Additionally, the accessibility of telehealth solutions to different socio-economic groups is influenced by income gaps and the affordability of telecommunication services (Afolabi & Eze, 2021). Additionally, the cultural beliefs and values surrounding the act of seeking healthcare and the desire for face-to-face consultations can influence the level of acceptability and usage of telehealth services (WHO, 2019).Hence, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of telehealth services in Nigeria.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of telehealth services in Nigeria. Specifically, the study will;

Evaluate the influence of healthcare provider training on the implementation of telehealth services.

Assess the factors that affect the adoption of telehealth services among patients in Nigeria.

Examine the impact of regulatory policies and infrastructure on the adoption of telehealth services in Nigeria.

1.4  Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

Does healthcare provider training influence the implementation of telehealth services?

What factors affect the adoption of telehealth services among patients in Nigeria?

How do regulatory policies and infrastructure impact the adoption of telehealth services in Nigeria?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: There are no significant factors influencing the adoption of telehealth services in Nigeria.

Ha: There are significant factors influencing the adoption of telehealth services in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings derived from this research will provide guidance for the formulation of laws and legislation that facilitate the incorporation of telehealth into national healthcare systems, particularly in times of crisis. The findings of this study will enhance patients' access to healthcare services via telehealth, particularly in situations where in-person visits are hazardous or unfeasible. Moreover, the findings will be utilised by companies and individuals involved in the development of telehealth technologies to improve their products and better align them with the requirements of healthcare systems during times of emergencies.Nevertheless, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to the factors influencing the adoption of telehealth services in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the study   

The scope of this study is boarded on the factors influencing the adoption of telehealth services in Nigeria. Empirically, this study will assess the factors that affect the adoption of telehealth services among patients, evaluate the influence of healthcare provider training on the implementation of telehealth service and examine the impact of regulatory policies and infrastructure on the adoption of telehealth services.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to healthcare workers in the Federal Capital Territory.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.9 Definition of Terms

Health: refers to a state of physical, mental, and social well-being in which an individual is free from illness and injury.

Telehealth: involves the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access and manage health care services remotely.

Patient: an individual who receives medical attention, care, or treatment from a health care provider or organization.

Chronic disease: conditions that persist over an extended period and often require ongoing medical management. Examples include diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.