Background of the Study: Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are prevalent in Nigeria, with significant implications for public health. In Bauchi State, as in many parts of Nigeria, healthcare access is limited by factors such as the shortage of healthcare professionals, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and long travel distances to medical facilities. Nurse-led virtual consultations represent a promising approach to improving chronic disease management, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas (Adamu & Bako, 2024). Through virtual consultations, nurses can provide ongoing care, monitor patient progress, offer health education, and support medication adherence, all of which contribute to better disease management.
Virtual consultations have been shown to enhance patient engagement, reduce hospital visits, and improve clinical outcomes, particularly in chronic disease management. However, there is limited research into the effectiveness of nurse-led virtual consultations in Nigeria, especially in rural areas like Bauchi State. This study seeks to evaluate the impact of nurse-led virtual consultations on chronic disease management in Bauchi State, assessing both the benefits and challenges of this approach.
Statement of the Problem: Chronic diseases are increasingly prevalent in Bauchi State, but access to continuous and quality healthcare remains a significant challenge, especially in rural areas. Traditional face-to-face consultations often require patients to travel long distances to healthcare facilities. Nurse-led virtual consultations have the potential to provide continuous care for chronic disease patients, but their effectiveness and feasibility in Bauchi State remain underexplored. This study aims to assess the effect of nurse-led virtual consultations on chronic disease management in Bauchi State and identify factors influencing their success.
Objectives of the Study:
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Scope and Limitations of the Study: This study will focus on patients with chronic diseases who participate in nurse-led virtual consultations in Bauchi State. Limitations include the potential lack of technological infrastructure in some areas and the small sample size of virtual consultation users.
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