Article Sidebar
Published:
Jan 17, 2025Keywords:
Article Details
Submission of a manuscript to this journal is a representation that the manuscript has not been published previously and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere.
All authors named in each manuscript would be required to sign a form (to be supplied by the Editor) so that they may retain their copyright in the article but to assign to us (the Publishers) and its licensees in perpetuity, in all forms, formats and media (whether known or created in the future) to (i) publish, reproduce, distribute, display and store the contribution, (ii) translate the contribution into other languages, create adaptations, reprints, include within collections and create summaries, extracts and/or abstracts of the contribution, (iii) create any other derivative works(s) based on the contribution, (iv) to exploit all subsidiary rights in the contribution, (v) the inclusion of electronic links from the contribution to third party material where-ever it may be located, and (vi) license any thrid party to do any or all of the above.
Main Article Content
Telemedicine promise for tomorrow: The role of video synchronous medical consultation in a primary health center (PHC) in a sub-Saharan Africa setting
Abstract
Purpose: To demonstrate the use of telemedicine electronic communications to exchange medical information from one site to another to improve a patient’s clinical and medical care during a remote clinical service. The goals and purpose of this research were centered around improving healthcare delivery in Edo State, Nigeria, by leveraging telemedicine technologies.
Methods: This 12-month retrospective case study involved a live, two-way telemedicine primary care service in three rural primary health centers (PHCs) in Edo State. Patients were identified through outreach efforts and met criteria including chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes, lack of access to physicians, and financial barriers to care. Weekly telemedicine visits with USA-based physicians were documented in the electronic health records (EHR), capturing diagnoses, vital metrics, medication adherence, and patient satisfaction.
Results: Seventy-five patients (66 % female, mean age 66) participated. Among hypertensive patients, systolic blood pressure (SBP) reductions ranged from 22 mmHg (p < 0.0001) at Oredo and Ukpenu PHCs to 5 mmHg at Ugbor PHC, with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) improvements at most sites. Diabetic patients at Ukpenu PHC showed significant fasting glucose reductions (p < 0.002), but changes were minimal at other PHCs.
Conclusion: Telemedicine demonstrated its potential to enhance chronic disease management and healthcare access in resource- limited settings, yielding positive clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction.
