ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TELEHEALTH IN ENHANCING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE IN URBAN, NIGERIA.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Telehealth is the use of electronic information and communication technologies, such as video conferencing, mobile apps, and remote monitoring, to deliver healthcare services remotely (American Telemedicine Association, 2020). Telehealth has significantly transformed healthcare delivery globally. Its aim is to improve access to healthcare services, enhance the quality of care, and reduce healthcare cost (Adeoye and Olaogun, 2020). 

Accessing healthcare in urban areas in Nigeria is gradually becoming a challenge due to increased population, lack of infrastructure, overcrowded healthcare facilities, long waiting time, and a high burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases (Olumide, 2019). Telehealth has the potential of mitigating these challenges of healthcare delivery in densely populated areas (Olumide, 2019). Similarly, (Adeoye and Olaogun, 2020) highlighted the potential of telehealth to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria, particularly in urban areas where healthcare facilities are often overwhelming,

The efficiency of telehealth in enhancing healthcare access in urban areas in Nigeria is influenced by certain factors; Limited internet penetration, poor technology infrastructure, lack of standardized guidelines, and lack of trained healthcare professionals (Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria, 2020). The digital divide remains a critical challenge, as not all urban residents have equal access to the necessary technologies or digital literacy skills required to use telehealth services effectively (Adeoye & Olaogun, 2020). Additionally, the regulatory and policy environment for telehealth in Nigeria is still evolving. Bashir and Bastola (2018) emphasize the need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the quality, safety, and security of telehealth services. It is therefore essential to evaluate the effectiveness of telehealth in enhancing healthcare access in urban Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of Study

Healthcare providers are not readily apt to utilizing telehealth technologies, many also lack the knowledge and training needed to effectively implement telehealth solutions. (Gagnon, 2016), in his study found out that healthcare providers’ attitudes towards telehealth, as well as their technical competence, significantly influenced the success of telehealth implementation. Without clear guidelines and standards, healthcare providers may struggle to implement telehealth solutions that ensure the quality, safety, and security of healthcare services (Bashir & Bastola, 2018). Aside from these challenges, patients acceptance of telehealth care services is pivotal to its success.

      While urban areas generally have better internet connectivity compared to rural areas, significant portions of the urban population may still lack access to the necessary technologies or digital literacy skills required to use telehealth services effectively (Adeoye & Olaogun, 2020). Concerns about the quality of care, privacy, and security of personal health information can impact patients' willingness to use telehealth services (Okereafor & Adebola, 2021). Therefore, with these challenges, there is a need assess the effectiveness of telehealth in enhancing healthcare access in urban Nigeria.

1.3 Objective of the Study

   The primary objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of telehealth in enhancing access to healthcare in Urban, Nigeria. Other specific objectives of the study include;

Evaluate the level of telehealth acceptability and utilization among urban residents in Nigeria.

Evaluate the factors which influence the use of telehealth services among urban residents in Nigeria.

Assess how telehealth has enhanced access to healthcare among urban residents in Nigeria.

Investigate the barriers affecting the effectiveness of telehealth in enhancing access to healthcare services in urban areas of Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

   Here are some research questions that would be answered during the course of this study.

What is the level of telehealth acceptability and utilization among urban residents in Nigeria.

What are the factors which influence the use of telehealth among urban residents in Nigeria.

How has telehealth enhanced access to healthcare among urban residents in Nigeria.

What are the barriers affecting the effectiveness of telehealth in enhancing access to healthcare services in urban areas of Nigeria.

1.5 Research Hypothesis 

      The following hypotheses will validate this study; 

H0: The level of telehealth acceptability and utilization among urban residents in Nigeria is low. 

H1:The level of telehealth acceptability and utilization among urban residents in Nigeria is high.

1.6 Significance of the Study 

The significance of the study on assessing the effectiveness of telehealth in enhancing access to healthcare in urban, Nigeria would contribute to existing literature on the effectiveness of telehealth.

The study seeks to contribute to the development of a more efficient, accessible, and equitable healthcare in Nigeria.

This study can act as a guide to policy makers, healthcare providers, and technology developers in optimizing telehealth solutions to meet the needs of urban residents in Nigeria.

Scope of the Study

The study would focus on assessing the effectiveness of telehealth in enhancing access to healthcare in urban, Nigeria. Empirically, this study would evaluate the level of telehealth acceptability and utilization among urban residents in Nigeria, evaluate the factors which influence the use of telehealth services among urban residents in Nigeria, assess how telehealth has enhanced access to healthcare among urban residents in Nigeria, and investigate the factors affecting the effectiveness of telehealth in enhancing access to healthcare services in urban areas of Nigeria.

This study would be carried out in Nigeria.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

The study may not be carried out for an extensive period of time to assess the effectiveness of telehealth in enhancing access to healthcare in urban, Nigeria.  The sample size is also limited to urban area in Nigeria, which may not reflect the overall effectiveness of telehealth in enhancing access to healthcare in urban, Nigeria.  

The study relies of self-reported data, which is subject to biases, errors and inaccuracies.

Definition of Term

Telehealth: it is the use of electronic information and communication technologies, such as video conferencing, mobile apps, and remote monitoring, to deliver healthcare services remotely.

Urban area: is the region surrounding a city. Most inhabitants of urban areas have non-agricultural jobs. Urban areas are very developed, meaning there is a density of human structures, such as houses, commercial buildings, roads, bridges, and railways. “Urban area " can refer to towns, cities, and suburbs.

Effectiveness: the degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result; success: