Project – Assessment of the Knowledge and Practice of Telemedicine among Health Practitioners in Makurdi, Benue State
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The integration of technology into healthcare systems has transformed the way medical services are delivered globally. Telemedicine, a subset of telehealth, involves the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to deliver healthcare services over a distance. It includes clinical services such as diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and consultations conducted through electronic means (WHO, 2020).
In Nigeria, where access to healthcare is limited, especially in rural and underserved areas, telemedicine presents a significant opportunity to address geographical, economic, and professional disparities in healthcare delivery. Despite its potential, the adoption and practical implementation of telemedicine remain low due to various challenges, including lack of awareness, poor infrastructure, resistance to change, and limited technical expertise.
Makurdi, the capital city of Benue State, is home to several healthcare facilities and professionals. However, the extent to which health practitioners in the area are knowledgeable about and actively use telemedicine remains largely undocumented. Understanding their level of knowledge and actual practice can help identify gaps and inform strategies for improved adoption and integration of telemedicine into healthcare delivery in the region.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Although telemedicine has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in Nigeria, its success is heavily dependent on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health practitioners. In Makurdi, anecdotal evidence suggests that despite the availability of smartphones and internet connectivity, telemedicine is not commonly practiced in routine clinical care. This may be due to insufficient training, lack of institutional support, or skepticism about its effectiveness.
Without assessing the current knowledge base and practical use of telemedicine among health practitioners in Makurdi, efforts to introduce or scale up telemedicine solutions may be ineffective or underutilized. Therefore, this study seeks to evaluate how knowledgeable health practitioners are about telemedicine and to what extent they are incorporating it into their practice.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice of telemedicine among health practitioners in Makurdi, Benue State. The specific objectives are to:
Determine the level of awareness and knowledge of telemedicine among health practitioners.
Assess the extent of telemedicine practice in clinical settings in Makurdi.
Identify barriers to the effective use of telemedicine.
Recommend strategies to improve the implementation and use of telemedicine in Makurdi.
1.4 Research Questions
The study will be guided by the following research questions:
What is the level of knowledge and awareness of telemedicine among health practitioners in Makurdi?
To what extent is telemedicine practiced in healthcare settings in Makurdi?
What are the major challenges faced by health practitioners in adopting telemedicine?
What measures can be implemented to promote the effective use of telemedicine in Makurdi?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
The study will test the following null hypotheses:
H₀₁: There is no significant relationship between health practitioners’ knowledge of telemedicine and its practical application in Makurdi.
H₀₂: Institutional and infrastructural barriers do not significantly affect the practice of telemedicine among health practitioners in Makurdi.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is of significance to various stakeholders in the health sector. For policymakers and healthcare administrators, it provides data that can support decision-making regarding telemedicine training and infrastructure development. For healthcare providers, it offers insight into current practices and gaps, enabling targeted professional development. Furthermore, it contributes to the academic literature on digital health innovations in sub-Saharan Africa, especially within the Nigerian context.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study focuses on health practitioners (including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and health information officers) working in public and private healthcare facilities in Makurdi, Benue State. It covers their knowledge, attitudes, and current practices related to telemedicine. The study does not examine the perspectives of patients or institutions outside Makurdi.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
Some limitations anticipated in this study include:
Potential bias in self-reported knowledge or practice levels.
Limited generalizability to other towns or states outside Makurdi.
Time and resource constraints in covering all healthcare institutions in the area.
1.9 Operational Definition of Terms
Telemedicine: The use of electronic communications to provide clinical services to patients without an in-person visit.
Knowledge: The understanding and awareness that health practitioners have about telemedicine concepts and tools.
Practice: The actual application of telemedicine in clinical settings.
Health Practitioner: A professional involved in providing medical care or services (e.g., doctors, nurses, pharmacists).
Barriers: Factors that hinder the successful implementation or use of telemedicine.