The Impact of Telemedicine on Cardiac Patient Follow-up Care in University College Hospital, Ibadan
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Background of the Study
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a particularly high burden in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. In 2023, approximately 11.5% of the Nigerian population suffered from some form of cardiovascular condition, with a steady increase in the incidence of hypertension, heart failure, and stroke (Oguntunde et al., 2024). Cardiac patients require continuous follow-up care, including routine assessments, medication management, and lifestyle counseling, to effectively manage their conditions and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes (Chijioke et al., 2023). Traditionally, cardiac follow-up care in Nigeria has been constrained by limited access to specialized care, overcrowded hospitals, and the challenges posed by long travel distances (Ojo et al., 2023).
Telemedicine, which involves the use of information and communication technologies to deliver healthcare remotely, has emerged as a promising solution to overcome some of these barriers. The application of telemedicine in cardiology allows for virtual consultations, monitoring of vital signs, and real-time data sharing between patients and healthcare providers (Thompson et al., 2024). By eliminating the need for patients to travel to healthcare facilities for regular check-ups, telemedicine can improve accessibility, reduce waiting times, and provide timely interventions in the management of chronic cardiac conditions (Afolabi et al., 2023). In Nigeria, where healthcare resources are limited and access to specialized care is often restricted, telemedicine offers an opportunity to extend care to remote and underserved populations.
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of telemedicine in improving the management of chronic diseases, particularly in patients with cardiovascular conditions (Okeke et al., 2024). Telemedicine-based follow-up care has been associated with improved patient outcomes, such as better medication adherence, enhanced self-management, and reduced hospital readmissions (Onwuneme et al., 2023). However, the integration of telemedicine into the healthcare system in Nigeria has been slow, and there is a lack of evidence on the impact of telemedicine on cardiac patient follow-up care in Nigerian hospitals, particularly in University College Hospital, Ibadan. Given the hospital's status as a leading healthcare facility, studying the impact of telemedicine in this setting could provide valuable insights into its potential for improving cardiac patient care in Nigeria.
Statement of the Problem
Cardiac patients in Nigeria often face significant challenges in accessing regular follow-up care due to the limited availability of specialized healthcare providers and the high cost of travel to healthcare facilities. As a result, many patients experience inadequate management of their conditions, leading to poor health outcomes, such as increased hospitalizations and premature deaths (Adebayo et al., 2024). While telemedicine has been shown to improve follow-up care for chronic conditions in other regions, its potential impact on cardiac patient care in Nigeria remains underexplored. The integration of telemedicine into routine follow-up care for cardiac patients in University College Hospital, Ibadan, could be a transformative intervention. However, there is a need to examine how telemedicine could be implemented effectively and whether it can lead to better patient outcomes.
The absence of studies focusing on telemedicine for cardiac care follow-up in Nigerian hospitals leaves a gap in knowledge and presents a critical challenge in the country's healthcare system. Furthermore, there is limited information on the specific barriers and facilitators of telemedicine adoption in Nigerian clinical settings. Without comprehensive evidence on its effectiveness, there may be hesitation to fully integrate telemedicine into cardiac care pathways.
Objectives of the Study
- To evaluate the impact of telemedicine on cardiac patient follow-up care in University College Hospital, Ibadan.
- To assess the challenges and barriers to implementing telemedicine for cardiac care follow-up in a Nigerian hospital setting.
- To identify the patient outcomes associated with telemedicine-based follow-up care for cardiac patients.
Research Questions
- What is the impact of telemedicine on cardiac patient follow-up care in University College Hospital, Ibadan?
- What are the challenges and barriers to implementing telemedicine for cardiac care follow-up in University College Hospital, Ibadan?
- How do cardiac patient outcomes differ with telemedicine follow-up care compared to traditional in-person follow-up care?
Research Hypotheses
- Telemedicine significantly improves the management and follow-up care of cardiac patients in University College Hospital, Ibadan.
- There are significant barriers to the implementation of telemedicine for cardiac patient follow-up care in University College Hospital, Ibadan.
- Cardiac patients receiving telemedicine follow-up care experience better outcomes compared to those receiving traditional in-person follow-up care.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on cardiac patients receiving follow-up care at University College Hospital, Ibadan, with a particular emphasis on evaluating the impact of telemedicine on their healthcare outcomes. The research will involve both qualitative and quantitative approaches, including surveys and interviews with patients and healthcare providers. The study will also assess patient outcomes such as hospital readmissions, medication adherence, and satisfaction with care.
The limitations of the study include the potential for limited participation from patients who may not be comfortable with or have access to the necessary technology for telemedicine consultations. Additionally, the study's findings may not be generalizable to other regions or healthcare settings in Nigeria due to differences in infrastructure and resources.
Definitions of Terms
- Telemedicine: The use of electronic communication technologies to provide healthcare services remotely, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring of patient health data.
- Cardiac Follow-up Care: Ongoing management and monitoring of patients with cardiovascular diseases, including medication adjustments, lifestyle counseling, and regular check-ups.
- Patient Outcomes: The measurable results of healthcare interventions, including improvements in health status, quality of life, and reduction in hospital readmissions.
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