AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF E-HEALTH IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Digital health technologies are becoming more and more popular as a way to address health system difficulties and enhance the quality and accessibility of health care delivery, following over ten years of rapid development. But there's still a need to keep building evidence bases (Orton et al., 2018). According to Labrique et al. (2018), digital technology can be leveraged to improve health systems and advance the goal of universal health coverage. With the World Health Organization's (WHO) member states supporting this strategy at the 71st World Health Assembly, the onus now rests with governments to acknowledge the significance of digital technologies employed in this way (Lee, Cho & Kim, 2019). 

According to the WHO, eHealth technologies are a prominent area of practice that involves addressing health needs via the routine and creative use of information and communications technology (ICT) (WHO, 2019). In addition to a recent World Health Assembly resolution on digital health (A71-R7) urging the member states "to prioritise, as appropriate, the development, evaluation, implementation, scale-up and greater use of digital technologies, as a means of promoting equitable, affordable and universal access to health for all," this has been acknowledged through an ICT-related target in Millennium Development Goal 8 in the proceedings of the World Health Assembly resolution on eHealth (WHA58.28) (Lee et al., 2020). When used widely, eHealth refers to a range of ICTs that are utilised in the provision of health care services (Borrelli & Ritterband, 2018; Kelly et al., 2021). In comparison to face-to-face interventions, the use of eHealth interventions can enhance access to treatment, decrease waiting times, and minimise or eliminate some of the barriers to face-to-face therapy (de Grood et al., 2018; Mauco, Scott & Mars, 2020). 

Digital health technologies have been implemented in a variety of ways throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. These initiatives have included data management, information sharing, teleconferencing, reminder text messaging, and more. Sub-Saharan Africa is the source of a significant amount of published research on the application of digital health tools specifically for maternity, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (Watterson et al., 2019). The significance of digital technologies in enhancing MNCH services has been the subject of various government-led projects in Cameroon; these initiatives remain the most researched areas. More than 100 distinct ICT initiatives were carried out nationwide to improve a variety of health system activities, according to a recent assessment of the environment and inventory of ICTs for health in Cameroon (Wilson et al, 2021). ICT projects on MNCH (such as educating women about healthy living and helping their carers make clinical decisions), projects on health system functions (such as enhancing health information systems), projects on health worker education and training, and six projects on health financing were among the program areas that were the focus. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) published guidelines on digital health interventions for upgrading the health system in 2019. They presented several recommendations for interventions after critically analysing the data on newly developing digital health initiatives for bettering the health system. These included distributing training and instructional materials digitally, with data indicating that digital apps may improve the understanding of health workers as well as the acceptability of the materials and their delivery. A strategy like this can aid in addressing health system limitations, like training deficiencies and remote accessibility, which are recognised to negatively affect MNCH services.Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of E-health in Cameroon.

Statement of the Problem

eHealth has shown significant potential in addressing mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety by providing remote treatment and consultation options, particularly in scenarios where physical hospital visits are challenging (Dorsey & Topol, 2019). In Cameroon, like in other regions, eHealth has proven to be both efficient and effective. A study on patient perceptions of telemonitoring revealed that nearly 90% of participants were satisfied with the care received and reported a better understanding of their conditions (Johnson et al., 2019). With the increasing use of mobile devices, the growing incidence of chronic diseases, the need to reduce exposure to contagious illnesses, and the demand for improved remote healthcare services, eHealth solutions like telehealth have become vital (World Health Organisation, 2019; Dorsey & Topol, 2019; Kruse et al., 2018).

In Cameroon, the healthcare system faces numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of medical professionals, and limited access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. These challenges are evident in regions such as the North West and South West. However, studies have shown that telehealth can offer significant benefits. For example, a study conducted in Cameroon demonstrated that telehealth could effectively manage chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, leading to improved health outcomes. Furthermore, telehealth interventions have the potential to enhance maternal and child health services, contributing to reduced mortality rates. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the effectiveness of E-health in Cameroon.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of E-health in Cameroon. Specifically, the study will;

Assess the effectiveness of E-health in improving access to healthcare services in Cameroon.

Examine the impact of E-health on the quality of patient care.

Assess the factors contributing to the effectiveness of E-health in Cameroon.

Proffer strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of E-health initiatives in Cameroon.

1.4  Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

How effective is eHealth in improving access to healthcare services in Cameroon?

What impact does eHealth have on the quality of patient care  in Cameroon?

What are the factors contributing to the effectiveness of E-health in Cameroon?

What factors contribute to the effectiveness of eHealth in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: EHealth has not significantly improved access to healthcare services in Cameroon.

Ha: EHealth has significantly improved access to healthcare services in Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This research will have a big impact on Cameroonian healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and technology suppliers. As the research will identify best practices and obstacles to successful implementation by evaluating the efficacy of eHealth projects. This will give data-driven decision-making about the expansion of eHealth solutions in Cameroon a strong basis. Additionally, the study will include suggestions for enhancing the management, implementation, and design of eHealth systems to make sure they are more suited to the requirements of the community. In the end, the results will help create healthcare services that are more effective, egalitarian, and accessible, which will benefit Cameroonian citizens' health. Moreover, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review.

1.7 Scope of the study   

The scope of this study is boarded on the effectiveness of E-health in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will assess the effectiveness of E-health in improving access to healthcare services, examine the impact of E-health on the quality of patient care, assess the factors contributing to the effectiveness of E-health and proffer strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of E-health initiatives.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to some selected health centres in Cameroon.

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.

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