New Horizons in Medicine and Medical Research Vol. 3

Abstract

Many government agencies and health organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa are paying close attention to the advances made in the use of telemedicine. This narrative literature review examines the present obstacles and successes in the establishment of telemedicine programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Cultural characteristics, financial, organisational, technological, and legal concerns are all key impediments to telemedicine development in Sub-Saharan Africa. While many rural African hospitals are short on staff and space in surgical outpatient clinics, there are still obstacles to the advancement and deployment of telemedicine in the surgical profession and beyond in this region. The aim of this study was to explore the current trends in the application of telemedicine in the region as well as critical barriers which need to be considered by healthcare decision makers. A number of recommendations are made to encourage long-term use and widespread adoption of telemedicine in Sub-Saharan Africa. To determine the utilisation of digital health technology in the region and examine its influence on the respective health care systems, more research is needed.