African Occupational Therapy Research (Clinical) | 08 October 2001
Telemedicine in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Management Among Rural Kenyan Patients: A Two-Year Analysis
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Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a significant health burden in rural Kenya, where access to specialized care is limited. A mixed-methods approach including patient surveys and clinical data analysis was employed. Teleconsultations were conducted via secure video platforms, supplemented by regular follow-ups. Telemedicine significantly reduced the time to first consultation (mean reduction of 25% compared to in-person visits) without compromising ulcer healing rates. Telemedicine effectively enhanced access and quality of care for DFU management among rural Kenyan patients, with a notable improvement in patient satisfaction scores (mean increase by 30%). Continued implementation of telemedicine services is recommended to further expand coverage and improve outcomes. Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p<em>i)=\beta</em>0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.