Advancement of telemedicine in Africa and the current laws: A case study of Nigeria

Ikwu, Amanze Nkemjika; Komolafe, David T; Ahaneku, Gladys I.; Nwawudu, Sixtus E

doi:10.1177/00258172211018341

Cited by 2 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 5 publications

(5 reference statements)

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“… 9 This is particularly relevant for Nigeria as there is currently no regulatory agency for TM-related matters. 27 , 28 From the legal perspective, there has been a call for the enactment of legislation for TM in Nigeria and a need for advocacy for a legal framework for TM. 28 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Telemedicine ready or not? A cross-sectional assessment of telemedicine maturity of federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria

et al. 2023

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Introduction and objective Telemedicine has reinforced its position as a means for the continuity of healthcare services and a cost-effective approach to improving health equity as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The preparedness of health systems for telemedicine is an indicator of the scalability of their services, especially during catastrophes. We aimed to assess the maturity and preparedness of federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria, to deploy telemedicine as such data are currently lacking and are required to drive improvements in health services delivery. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of thirty randomly selected federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria using the Pan American Health Organization's tool for assessing the maturity level of health institutions to implement telemedicine between 17 September 2020 and 1 September 2021. Descriptive statistics were used for overall maturity levels and non-parametric tests to compare scores for overall maturity and specific Pan American Health Organization domains per region. The level of significance was set at p-value <0.05. Results The response rate was 77.4% (24 of 30 randomly polled federally funded tertiary health institutions responded). Overall, the median telemedicine maturity level was 2.0 (1.75) indicating a beginner level. No significant inter-zonal difference in the median overall maturity level ( p = 0.87). The median maturity levels for telemedicine readiness in specific domains were organizational readiness – 2.0 (2.0), processes 1.0 (1.0), digital environment 2.0 (3.0), human resources 2.0 (1.0), regulatory issues – 1.5 (1.0) and expertise 2.0 (2.0); mostly at beginner level, with no inter-zonal differences. Most participating institutions had no initiatives in place for domains of processes and regulatory issues. Conclusions The current telemedicine maturity level of federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria is at the beginner level. This behoves policy-makers to advance the implementation and deployment of telemedicine nationwide as part of digital quality healthcare, to improve health equity and to ensure continuity of healthcare services in the event of another pandemic.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Telemedicine ready or not? A cross-sectional assessment of telemedicine maturity of federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…22, 23 From the legal perspective, there has been a call for enactment of legislation for telemedicine in Nigeria and a need for advocacy for a legal framework for telemedicine. 23…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…21 This is particularly relevant for Nigeria as there is currently no regulatory agency for telemedicine-related matters. 22,23 From the legal perspective, there has been a call for enactment of legislation for telemedicine in Nigeria and a need for advocacy for a legal framework for telemedicine. 23 In conclusion, our survey demonstrates the current status of telemedicine maturity of our federally funded tertiary health institutions that are at the fore of healthcare delivery and manpower training in Nigeria.…”

Section: Expertisementioning

confidence: 99%

“…22,23 From the legal perspective, there has been a call for enactment of legislation for telemedicine in Nigeria and a need for advocacy for a legal framework for telemedicine. 23 In conclusion, our survey demonstrates the current status of telemedicine maturity of our federally funded tertiary health institutions that are at the fore of healthcare delivery and manpower training in Nigeria. We recommend that policy makers re-evaluate the commitment to implementing the tripartite strategic objectives of the Global Strategy on Digital Health (2020-2025) including promoting global collaboration and advancing the transfer of knowledge on digital health, advancing the implementation of national digital health strategies, and strengthening governance of digital health at the national level.…”

Section: Expertisementioning

confidence: 99%

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Telemedicine Ready or Not? a cross-sectional assessment of telemedicine maturity of federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria

Olufunlayo

Ojo

Ozoh

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Background and Objective Telemedicine (TM) has solidified its place as a means for continuity of healthcare services and a cost-effective approach for improving health equity as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Preparedness of health systems for telemedicine is an indicator of the scalability of their services, especially during disasters. We aimed to assess the maturity and preparedness of federally funded tertiary health institutions (FFTHIs) in Nigeria, to deploy and integrate telemedicine Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of randomly selected FFTHIs in Nigeria using PAHOs tool for assessing the maturity level of health institutions to implement telemedicine services. Descriptive statistics were used for overall maturity levels and non-parametric tests to compare scores for overall maturity and specific PAHO domains per region. The level of significance was set at p value <0.05. Results Twenty-four of thirty randomly polled FFTHIs responded (response rate of 77.4%). Overall, the median TM maturity level was 2.0 (1.75) indicating beginner level. No significant inter-zonal difference in median overall maturity level (p=0.87). The median maturity levels for telemedicine readiness in specific domains were organizational readiness - 2.0 (2.0), processes 1.0 (1.0), digital environment 2.0 (3.0), human resources 2.0 (1.0), regulatory issues- 1.5 (1.0) and expertise 2.0 (2.0); mostly at beginner level, with no inter-zonal differences. Most participating institutions had no initiatives in place for domains of processes and regulatory issues. Conclusions The current status of telemedicine maturity of FFTHIs in Nigeria behoves policy makers to advance the implementation of telemedicine across the country as part of national digital quality healthcare.

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Advancement of telemedicine in Africa and the current laws: A case study of Nigeria

Cited by 2 publications

References 5 publications

Telemedicine ready or not? A cross-sectional assessment of telemedicine maturity of federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria

Telemedicine ready or not? A cross-sectional assessment of telemedicine maturity of federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria

Telemedicine Ready or Not? a cross-sectional assessment of telemedicine maturity of federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria

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