Table of Contents
ABSTRACT.. 2
CHAPTER ONE.. 5
INTRODUCTION.. 5
1.1 Background to the Study. 5
1.2 Statement of the Problem... 6
1.3 Objectives of the Study. 8
1.4 Research Questions. 8
1.5 Research Hypothesis. 8
1.6 Significance of the Study. 9
1.7 Scope of the Study. 10
1.8 Limitations of the Study. 10
1.9 Organization of the Study. 10
CHAPTER TWO.. 13
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE.. 13
2.1 Introduction.. 13
2.2 Theoretical Review.. 13
2.3 Conceptual Review.. 15
2.4 Empirical Review.. 18
2.5 Summary of Literature Review.. 20
Chapter Three. 21
Research Methodology. 21
3.0 Introduction.. 21
3.1 Research Design.. 21
3.2 Area of Study. 21
3.3 Population and Sampling. 22
3.4 Data Collection.. 22
3.5 Data Analysis. 23
3.6 Ethical Considerations. 23
3.7 Limitations of the Study. 23
3.8 Summary. 24
CHAPTER FOUR.. 24
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION.. 24
4.1 Preamble. 24
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 25
TABLES BASED ON RESEARCH QUESTIONS.. 29
4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one:. 29
4.4 Testing Hypothesis. 38
4.5 Discussion of Findings. 39
CHAPTER FIVE.. 42
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.. 42
5.1 Summary of Findings. 42
5.2 Conclusion.. 43
5.3 Recommendations. 43
REFERENCES.. 45
Exploring the Effectiveness of Telehealth in Improving Access to Nursing Care in Rural Areas of Nigeria.. 48
Research Questionnaire. 48
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
In Nigeria, like many other developing countries, rural areas often face significant challenges in accessing adequate healthcare services, including nursing care. The vast geographical distances, coupled with limited healthcare infrastructure and resources, exacerbate the healthcare disparities between urban and rural regions. However, advancements in telehealth technologies offer promising solutions to bridge this gap and improve access to nursing care in remote areas. This paper aims to explore the effectiveness of telehealth in addressing the healthcare needs of rural communities in Nigeria, particularly in the realm of nursing care.
Telehealth, encompassing telemedicine and tele-nursing, utilizes communication technologies to deliver healthcare services remotely. By leveraging tools such as video conferencing, remote monitoring devices, and mobile applications, telehealth enables healthcare providers to reach patients in distant locations, overcoming barriers of distance and infrastructure. In the context of Nigeria's rural areas, where access to healthcare facilities is limited, telehealth presents an opportunity to extend nursing services to underserved populations, enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes. Smith, A. C., et al. (2019).
Several studies have demonstrated the positive impact of telehealth interventions on healthcare access and outcomes in rural settings globally. For instance, a study by Smith et al. (2019) found that tele-nursing interventions improved patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes in remote Australian communities. Similarly, research by Adepoju et al. (2020) highlighted the effectiveness of telemedicine in enhancing access to healthcare services in rural Nigeria. These findings underscore the potential of telehealth, including tele-nursing, to address healthcare disparities and improve patient outcomes in resource-constrained environments.
However, while telehealth holds promise for expanding access to nursing care in rural Nigeria, several challenges must be addressed to maximize its effectiveness. These challenges include infrastructural limitations, such as unreliable internet connectivity and inadequate power supply, as well as regulatory and policy barriers. Additionally, cultural factors and user acceptance may influence the uptake and utilization of telehealth services in rural communities. By examining the existing literature and considering the Nigerian context, this paper aims to provide insights into overcoming these challenges and optimizing telehealth strategies to enhance nursing care delivery in rural areas. Omboni, S., et al. (2020).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Access to nursing care in rural areas of Nigeria remains a pressing concern, characterized by limited healthcare infrastructure and workforce shortages. Telehealth presents a promising avenue to bridge this gap, offering remote consultation, monitoring, and education services. However, the effectiveness of telehealth interventions in improving access to nursing care in these underserved regions requires systematic exploration. Challenges such as limited internet connectivity, technological literacy, and cultural considerations must be addressed to ensure the successful implementation and utilization of telehealth solutions. Comprehensive research is warranted to assess the impact of telehealth on healthcare outcomes, patient satisfaction, and the overall quality of nursing care delivery in rural Nigerian communities.
Recent studies have highlighted the potential of telehealth to enhance healthcare access and delivery in resource-constrained settings (Alhassan et al., 2020). However, there is a scarcity of empirical evidence specific to the Nigerian context, necessitating further investigation into the effectiveness of telehealth interventions tailored to the unique needs and challenges of rural areas (Ojebuyi et al., 2019). By examining the barriers, facilitators, and outcomes associated with telehealth implementation in Nigerian rural communities, policymakers and healthcare providers can develop targeted strategies to optimize the utilization of telehealth technologies and ultimately improve nursing care accessibility and quality in these underserved regions.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine xploring the Effectiveness of Telehealth in Improving Access to Nursing Care in Rural Areas of Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:
- 1. To assess the impact of telehealth on utilization of nursing services in rural Nigerian communities.
- 2. To evaluate the satisfaction of patients and nurses using telehealth for nursing care in rural Nigeria.
- To explore the cost-effectiveness of telehealth compared to traditional methods of delivering nursing care in rural Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- Does the implementation of a telehealth program lead to an increase in the number of rural residents accessing routine and chronic disease management consultations with nurses?
- How do rural patients perceive the ease of use, accessibility, and effectiveness of telehealth consultations with nurses?
- Does the implementation of a telehealth program for nursing care delivery in rural areas lead to a reduction in overall healthcare costs?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no significant difference in access to nursing care between rural areas in Nigeria that utilize telehealth services and those that do not.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Nursing Science sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to Itu LGA. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
