African Information Resource Management (LIS focus) | 14 March 2004
Telemedicine Access and Outcomes in Remote Cameroon
C, h, a, n, t, a, l, N, g, u, i, f, f, o
Abstract
Telemedicine has emerged as a critical tool for healthcare delivery in remote areas of Cameroon, where access to traditional medical services is limited. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a survey of healthcare providers and qualitative interviews with patients to gather data on the use and impact of telemedicine services. Telemedicine access improved by 40% among rural clinics compared to urban settings, but patient satisfaction scores were notably lower in remote areas due to technological barriers and internet connectivity issues. While telemedicine has shown promise for enhancing healthcare access in Cameroon's remote regions, ongoing efforts are needed to address infrastructure and affordability challenges. Investment should be prioritised in improving internet connectivity and training healthcare providers on the latest telemedicine technologies to maximise patient outcomes.