THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TELEHEALTH IN FETHA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Telehealth, a revolutionary method of delivering healthcare treatments using telecommunications technologies.Chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders necessitate consistent monitoring and control. Telehealth has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing the management of various illnesses by facilitating ongoing monitoring and prompt interventions. 

Telehealth refers to the use of information communication technology to provide healthcare services remotely. This includes both synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (non-real-time) consultations between patients and healthcare providers (American Telemedicine Association, 2018). According to Ballester et al. (2020), telehealth is a convenient and advantageous technique of delivering services to patients and clinicians, as opposed to traditional approached. When it comes to determining the success of telehealth, clinical choices are based on evidence that compares the outcomes of normal treatment with those of telehealth service models. Literature reviews that analyse the evidence supporting the usefulness of telehealth in certain illness states or specific telehealth methods are valuable but tend to have a narrow focus in their implementation. An amalgamation of critiques aids in providing a more comprehensive assessment of the published data pertaining to particular research inquiries (Moore et al., 2015; Shea et al., 2017). Ekeland et al. (2010) performed a synthesis in which they gathered and analysed the evidence about the overall efficacy of telehealth. Their conclusion was that although the evidence was favourable, additional rigorous research and controlled trials were necessary to establish the overall efficacy of telehealth. 

A comprehensive review was published in 2020, which analysed the latest research about the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, patient perspectives, and strategies for implementing telehealth (Smith & Jones, 2020). This review determined that telehealth is frequently efficacious, has the potential to be cost-effective, is well-received by patients, and can be implemented with success. This review encompassed a wide range of information and comprehensive measures utilised to assess efficacy. In order to encourage the integration of telehealth into clinical practice, it is crucial to have substantial evidence about its efficacy and safety. Likewise, to introduce any telehealth service, decision makers and doctors must have a comprehensive understanding of the potential advantages and disadvantages associated with telehealth. Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of telehealth in FETHA (Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki)

Statement of the Problem

Telehealth mitigated patients' feelings of depression and anxiety by offering remote treatment and consultation options in situations where in-person hospital visits were hindered (Dorsey & Topol, 2016). However, telehealth appears to have been both efficient and successful. According to a study on patients' assessment of telemonitoring, almost 90% of patients expressed satisfaction with the care they received and reported an increase in their understanding of their disease (Johnson et al., 2019). With the prevalence of mobile devices, the rise in chronic diseases, the importance of minimising exposure to contagious diseases, and the growing desire for improved remote healthcare, telehealth has become increasingly important (World Health Organisation, 2010; Dorsey & Topol, 2016; Kruse et al., 2017). 

In Nigeria, the healthcare system faces numerous challenges, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, shortage of medical professionals, and limited access to healthcare services in rural areas. These challenges are particularly pronounced in regions like Ebonyi State.  However, several studies have highlighted the potential benefits of telehealth in Nigeria. For instance, a study conducted in Lagos showed that telehealth could effectively manage hypertension and diabetes, leading to significant improvements in patients' health outcomes (Ren, 2019). Another study in northern Nigeria demonstrated that telehealth interventions could enhance maternal and child health services, thereby reducing mortality rates (Zhao, 2019). Hence, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to assess the effectiveness of telehealth in FETHA.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of telehealth in FETHA.  Specifically, the study will;

Determine the effectiveness of telehealth in managing chronic conditions, acute illnesses, and follow-up care in FETHA.

Assess the impact of telehealth on patient access to healthcare services in FETHA.

Evaluate the barriers to the implementation of telehealth services in FETHA.

1.4  Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

How effective is telehealth in managing chronic conditions, acute illnesses, and follow-up care in FETHA?

What is the impact of telehealth on patient access to healthcare services in FETHA?

What are the barriers to the implementation of telehealth services in FETHA?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: Telehealth is not effective in improving healthcare delivery at FETHA.

Ha: Telehealth is effective in improving healthcare delivery at FETHA.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study findings will provide insights into how telehealth can be integrated into the existing healthcare system to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Additionally, the study's findings will inform policymakers and healthcare providers about the benefits and challenges of telehealth, facilitating the development of strategies to expand its use across Nigeria. Furthermore, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. Build on the findings to explore further aspects of  the effectiveness of telehealth in FETHA contributing to the academic body of knowledge.

1.7 Scope of the study   

The scope of this study is boarded on the effectiveness of telehealth in FETHA. Empirically, this study will determine the effectiveness of telehealth in managing chronic conditions, acute illnesses, and follow-up care,assess the impact of telehealth on patient access to healthcare services and evaluate the barriers to the implementation of telehealth services in FETHA.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to healthcare workers in FETHA.

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.