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Coetzer JA, Loukili I, Goedhart NS, Ket JCF, Schuitmaker-Warnaar TJ, Zuiderent-Jerak T, Dedding C. The potential and paradoxes of eHealth research for digitally marginalised groups: A qualitative meta-review. Soc Sci Med 2024; 350:116895. [PMID: 38710135 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Whilst the transformation towards digital healthcare is accelerating, there is still a substantial risk of excluding people with a distance to the online world. Groups like people with a low socioeconomic position, people with a migrant background or the elderly, who are already most at risk of experiencing health inequalities, are simultaneously experiencing increased digital exclusion. Researchers play a role in determining how eHealth access is framed and can thus impact how the barriers to its use are addressed. This qualitative meta-review critically evaluates the way researchers (as authors) discuss eHealth use in digitally marginalised groups. Specifically, it seeks to understand how eHealth is framed to address existing health systems problems; how the barriers to eHealth use are presented and which solutions are provided in response; and who authors suggest should be responsible for making eHealth work. The results of this review found four paradoxes in how current literature views eHealth use. Firstly, that health systems problems are complex and nuanced, yet eHealth is seen as a simple answer. Secondly, that there are many political, social and health systems-based solutions suggested to address eHealth use, however most of the identified barriers are individually framed. This focus on personal deficits results in misallocating responsibility for making these systemic improvements. Thirdly, although eHealth is meant to simplify the tasks of patients and healthcare workers, these are the groups most often burdened with the responsibility of ensuring its success. Lastly, despite tailoring eHealth to the user being the most suggested solution, researchers generally speak about groups as a homogenous entity - thus rendering tailoring difficult. Ultimately, this review finds that a shift to focus research on addressing systemic issues on a systems level is necessary to prevent further exacerbating existing health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Coetzer
- Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, VU University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Ibrahim Loukili
- Department of Ethics, Law & Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1089a, F-vleugel medische faculteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Nicole S Goedhart
- Department of Ethics, Law & Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1089a, F-vleugel medische faculteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Johannes C F Ket
- VUmc, Medische Bibliotheek, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Teun Zuiderent-Jerak
- Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, VU University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Christine Dedding
- Department of Ethics, Law & Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1089a, F-vleugel medische faculteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Laar AS, Harris ML, Shifti DM, Loxton D. Perspectives of health care professionals’ on delivering mHealth sexual and reproductive health services in rural settings in low-and-middle-income countries: a qualitative systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1141. [PMID: 36085027 PMCID: PMC9461099 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08512-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In low to middle income countries (LMICs) with limited health care providers (HCPs) and health infrastructure, digital technologies are rapidly being adopted to help augment service delivery. In this sphere, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services are increasingly leveraging mobile health (mHealth) technologies to improve service and information provision in rural areas. This systematic review aimed to identify HCPs perspectives on barriers to, and facilitators of, mobile phone based SRH services and information in rural areas of LMICs from current literature.
Methods
Searches were conducted using the following databases: Medline, Scopus, PsychINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, twelve full text qualitative studies published in English between January 2000 and December 2020 were included. The methodological quality of papers was assessed by two authors using the critical skills appraisal programme and synthesized using the narrative thematic analysis approach.
Results
Positive HCPs experiences surrounding the provision of mHealth based SRH services in LMICs included saving consultation time, ability to shift tasks, reduction in travel costs, easy referrals and follow up on clients, convenience in communicating health information confidentially, and the ability to consult groups of clients remotely rather than face-to-face. Barriers to the provision of mHealth reported by HCPs included lack of technological infrastructure, unreliable networks, limited power, the cost of mobile airtime/data and mobile phones and limited technological literacy or skills.
Conclusions
Implementing innovative mHealth based SRH services could bridge a service provision and access gap of SRH information and services in rural areas of LMICs. Despite the advantages of this technology, several challenges associated with delivering mHealth SRH services need to be urgently addressed to enable scale-up and integration of sexual and reproductive mHealth into rural health systems.
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Downie A, Mashanya T, Chipwaza B, Griffiths F, Harris B, Kalolo A, Ndegese S, Sturt J, De Valliere N, Pemba S. Remote Consulting in Primary Health Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Feasibility Study of an Online Training Program to Support Care Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e32964. [PMID: 35507772 PMCID: PMC9200055 DOI: 10.2196/32964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite acceleration of remote consulting throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many health care professionals are practicing without training to offer teleconsultation to their patients. This is especially challenging in resource-poor countries, where the telephone has not previously been widely used for health care. Objective As the COVID-19 pandemic dawned, we designed a modular online training program for REmote Consulting in primary Health care (REaCH). To optimize upscaling of knowledge and skills, we employed a train-the-trainer approach, training health workers (tier 1) to cascade the training to others (tier 2) in their locality. We aimed to determine whether REaCH training was acceptable and feasible to health workers in rural Tanzania to support their health care delivery during the pandemic. Methods We developed and pretested the REaCH training program in July 2020 and created 8 key modules. The program was then taught remotely via Moodle and WhatsApp (Meta Platforms) to 12 tier 1 trainees and cascaded to 63 tier 2 trainees working in Tanzania’s rural Ulanga District (August-September 2020). We evaluated the program using a survey (informed by Kirkpatrick's model of evaluation) to capture trainee satisfaction with REaCH, the knowledge gained, and perceived behavior change; qualitative interviews to explore training experiences and views of remote consulting; and documentary analysis of emails, WhatsApp texts, and training reports generated through the program. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings were triangulated and integrated during interpretation. Results Of the 12 tier 1 trainees enrolled in the program, all completed the training; however, 2 (17%) encountered internet difficulties and failed to complete the evaluation. In addition, 1 (8%) opted out of the cascading process. Of the 63 tier 2 trainees, 61 (97%) completed the cascaded training. Of the 10 (83%) tier 1 trainees who completed the survey, 9 (90%) would recommend the program to others, reported receiving relevant skills and applying their learning to their daily work, demonstrating satisfaction, learning, and perceived behavior change. In qualitative interviews, tier 1 and 2 trainees identified several barriers to implementation of remote consulting, including lacking digital infrastructure, few resources, inflexible billing and record-keeping systems, and limited community awareness. The costs of data or airtime emerged as the greatest immediate barrier to supporting both the upscaling of REaCH training and subsequently the delivery of safe and trustworthy remote health care. Conclusions The REaCH training program is feasible, acceptable, and effective in changing trainees’ behavior. However, government and organizational support is required to facilitate the expansion of the program and remote consulting in Tanzania and other low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Downie
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Titus Mashanya
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Beatrice Chipwaza
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Frances Griffiths
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Centre for Health Policy, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bronwyn Harris
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Albino Kalolo
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Sylvester Ndegese
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Jackie Sturt
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole De Valliere
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Senga Pemba
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
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Tanniru MR, Agarwal N, Sokan A, Hariri S. An Agile Digital Platform to Support Population Health-A Case Study of a Digital Platform to Support Patients with Delirium Using IoT, NLP, and AI. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5686. [PMID: 34073262 PMCID: PMC8198835 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
For an organization to be customer centric and service oriented requires that it use each encounter with a customer to create value, leverage advanced technologies to design digital services to fulfill the value, and assess perceived value-in-use to continue to revise the value as customer expectations evolve. The adaptation of value cycles to address the rapid changes in customer expectations requires agile digital platforms with dynamic software ecosystems interacting with multiple actors. For public health agencies focused on population health, these agile digital platforms should provide tailored care to address the distinct needs of select population groups. Using prior research on aging and dynamic software ecosystems, this paper develops a template for the design of an agile digital platform to support value cycle activities among clinical and non-clinical actors, including population groups. It illustrates the design of an agile digital platform to support clients that suffer from delirium, using digital services that leverage Internet of Things, natural language processing, and AI that uses real-time data for learning and care adaption. We conclude the paper with directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan R. Tanniru
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA;
| | - Nimit Agarwal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Banner University Medical Center, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; or
| | - Amanda Sokan
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA;
| | - Salim Hariri
- College of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
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Ozair A, Singh KK. Delivering High-Quality, Equitable Care in India: An Ethically-Resilient Framework for Healthcare Innovation After COVID-19. Front Public Health 2021; 9:640598. [PMID: 33681137 PMCID: PMC7935506 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.640598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing countries struggle to provide high-quality, equitable care to all. Challenges of resource allocation frequently lead to ethical concerns of healthcare inequity. To tackle this, such developing nations continually need to implement healthcare innovation, coupled with capacity building to ensure new strategies continue to be developed and executed. The COVID-19 pandemic has made significant demands of healthcare systems across the world-to provide equitable healthcare to all, to ensure public health principles are followed, to find novel solutions for previously unencountered healthcare challenges, and to rapidly develop new therapeutics and vaccines for COVID-19. Countries worldwide have struggled to accomplish these demands, especially the latter two, considering that few nations had long-standing systems in place to ensure processes for innovation were on-going before the pandemic struck. The crisis represents a critical juncture to plan for a future. This future needs to incorporate a vision for the implementation of healthcare innovation, coupled with capacity building to ensure new strategies continue to be developed and executed. In this paper, the case of the massive Indian healthcare system is utilized to describe how it could implement this vision. An inclusive, ethically-resilient framework has been broadly laid out for healthcare innovation in the future, thereby ensuring success in both the short- and the long-term.
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Harris B, Ajisola M, Alam RM, Watkins JA, Arvanitis TN, Bakibinga P, Chipwaza B, Choudhury NN, Kibe P, Fayehun O, Omigbodun A, Owoaje E, Pemba S, Potter R, Rizvi N, Sturt J, Cave J, Iqbal R, Kabaria C, Kalolo A, Kyobutungi C, Lilford RJ, Mashanya T, Ndegese S, Rahman O, Sayani S, Yusuf R, Griffiths F. Mobile consulting as an option for delivering healthcare services in low-resource settings in low- and middle-income countries: A mixed-methods study. Digit Health 2021; 7:20552076211033425. [PMID: 34777849 PMCID: PMC8580492 DOI: 10.1177/20552076211033425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Remote or mobile consulting is being promoted to strengthen health systems, deliver universal health coverage and facilitate safe clinical communication during coronavirus disease 2019 and beyond. We explored whether mobile consulting is a viable option for communities with minimal resources in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS We reviewed evidence published since 2018 about mobile consulting in low- and middle-income countries and undertook a scoping study (pre-coronavirus disease) in two rural settings (Pakistan and Tanzania) and five urban slums (Kenya, Nigeria and Bangladesh), using policy/document review, secondary analysis of survey data (from the urban sites) and thematic analysis of interviews/workshops with community members, healthcare workers, digital/telecommunications experts, mobile consulting providers, and local and national decision-makers. Project advisory groups guided the study in each country. RESULTS We reviewed four empirical studies and seven reviews, analysed data from 5322 urban slum households and engaged with 424 stakeholders in rural and urban sites. Regulatory frameworks are available in each country. Mobile consulting services are operating through provider platforms (n = 5-17) and, at the community level, some direct experience of mobile consulting with healthcare workers using their own phones was reported - for emergencies, advice and care follow-up. Stakeholder willingness was high, provided challenges are addressed in technology, infrastructure, data security, confidentiality, acceptability and health system integration. Mobile consulting can reduce affordability barriers and facilitate care-seeking practices. CONCLUSIONS There are indications of readiness for mobile consulting in communities with minimal resources. However, wider system strengthening is needed to bolster referrals, specialist services, laboratories and supply chains to fully realise the continuity of care and responsiveness that mobile consulting services offer, particularly during/beyond coronavirus disease 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Motunrayo Ajisola
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Raisa Meher Alam
- Centre for Health, Population and Development, Independent University
Bangladesh, Bangladesh
| | | | | | | | - Beatrice Chipwaza
- St Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences,
Tanzania
| | | | - Peter Kibe
- African Population and Health Research
Center, Kenya
| | - Olufunke Fayehun
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Akinyinka Omigbodun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Clinical
Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Eme Owoaje
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, College
of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Senga Pemba
- St Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences,
Tanzania
| | - Rachel Potter
- Clinical Trials Unit Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, University of Warwick, UK
| | - Narjis Rizvi
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Pakistan
| | - Jackie Sturt
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, King’s
College London, UK
| | | | - Romaina Iqbal
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Pakistan
| | | | - Albino Kalolo
- St Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences,
Tanzania
| | | | - Richard J Lilford
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental
Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Titus Mashanya
- St Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences,
Tanzania
| | - Sylvester Ndegese
- St Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences,
Tanzania
| | - Omar Rahman
- University of Liberal Arts
Bangladesh, Bangladesh
| | - Saleem Sayani
- Aga Khan Development Network Digital Health Resource Centre (Asia
and Africa), Aga Khan University, Pakistan
| | - Rita Yusuf
- Centre for Health, Population and Development, Independent University
Bangladesh, Bangladesh
| | - Frances Griffiths
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, UK
- Centre for Health Policy, University of the Witwatersrand, South
Africa
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7
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Senbekov M, Saliev T, Bukeyeva Z, Almabayeva A, Zhanaliyeva M, Aitenova N, Toishibekov Y, Fakhradiyev I. The Recent Progress and Applications of Digital Technologies in Healthcare: A Review. Int J Telemed Appl 2020; 2020:8830200. [PMID: 33343657 PMCID: PMC7732404 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8830200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The implementation of medical digital technologies can provide better accessibility and flexibility of healthcare for the public. It encompasses the availability of open information on the health, treatment, complications, and recent progress on biomedical research. At present, even in low-income countries, diagnostic and medical services are becoming more accessible and available. However, many issues related to digital health technologies remain unmet, including the reliability, safety, testing, and ethical aspects. PURPOSE The aim of the review is to discuss and analyze the recent progress on the application of big data, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, block-chain platforms, smart devices in healthcare, and medical education. Basic Design. The publication search was carried out using Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Sciences, Medline, Wiley Online Library, and CrossRef databases. The review highlights the applications of artificial intelligence, "big data," telemedicine and block-chain technologies, and smart devices (internet of things) for solving the real problems in healthcare and medical education. Major Findings. We identified 252 papers related to the digital health area. However, the number of papers discussed in the review was limited to 152 due to the exclusion criteria. The literature search demonstrated that digital health technologies became highly sought due to recent pandemics, including COVID-19. The disastrous dissemination of COVID-19 through all continents triggered the need for fast and effective solutions to localize, manage, and treat the viral infection. In this regard, the use of telemedicine and other e-health technologies might help to lessen the pressure on healthcare systems. Summary. Digital platforms can help optimize diagnosis, consulting, and treatment of patients. However, due to the lack of official regulations and recommendations, the stakeholders, including private and governmental organizations, are facing the problem with adequate validation and approbation of novel digital health technologies. In this regard, proper scientific research is required before a digital product is deployed for the healthcare sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksut Senbekov
- S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Timur Saliev
- S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | | | | | | | - Nazym Aitenova
- NJSC “Astana Medical University”, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Ildar Fakhradiyev
- S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
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Ahmed SAKS, Ajisola M, Azeem K, Bakibinga P, Chen YF, Choudhury NN, Fayehun O, Griffiths F, Harris B, Kibe P, Lilford RJ, Omigbodun A, Rizvi N, Sartori J, Smith S, Watson SI, Wilson R, Yeboah G, Aujla N, Azam SI, Diggle PJ, Gill P, Iqbal R, Kabaria C, Kisia L, Kyobutungi C, Madan JJ, Mberu B, Mohamed SF, Nazish A, Odubanjo O, Osuh ME, Owoaje E, Oyebode O, Porto de Albuquerque J, Rahman O, Tabani K, Taiwo OJ, Tregonning G, Uthman OA, Yusuf R. Impact of the societal response to COVID-19 on access to healthcare for non-COVID-19 health issues in slum communities of Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan: results of pre-COVID and COVID-19 lockdown stakeholder engagements. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:e003042. [PMID: 32819917 PMCID: PMC7443197 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With COVID-19, there is urgency for policymakers to understand and respond to the health needs of slum communities. Lockdowns for pandemic control have health, social and economic consequences. We consider access to healthcare before and during COVID-19 with those working and living in slum communities. METHODS In seven slums in Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan, we explored stakeholder perspectives and experiences of healthcare access for non-COVID-19 conditions in two periods: pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 lockdowns. RESULTS Between March 2018 and May 2020, we engaged with 860 community leaders, residents, health workers and local authority representatives. Perceived common illnesses in all sites included respiratory, gastric, waterborne and mosquitoborne illnesses and hypertension. Pre-COVID, stakeholders described various preventive, diagnostic and treatment services, including well-used antenatal and immunisation programmes and some screening for hypertension, tuberculosis, HIV and vectorborne disease. In all sites, pharmacists and patent medicine vendors were key providers of treatment and advice for minor illnesses. Mental health services and those addressing gender-based violence were perceived to be limited or unavailable. With COVID-19, a reduction in access to healthcare services was reported in all sites, including preventive services. Cost of healthcare increased while household income reduced. Residents had difficulty reaching healthcare facilities. Fear of being diagnosed with COVID-19 discouraged healthcare seeking. Alleviators included provision of healthcare by phone, pharmacists/drug vendors extending credit and residents receiving philanthropic or government support; these were inconsistent and inadequate. CONCLUSION Slum residents' ability to seek healthcare for non-COVID-19 conditions has been reduced during lockdowns. To encourage healthcare seeking, clear communication is needed about what is available and whether infection control is in place. Policymakers need to ensure that costs do not escalate and unfairly disadvantage slum communities. Remote consulting to reduce face-to-face contact and provision of mental health and gender-based violence services should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed A K Shifat Ahmed
- Centre for Health, Population and Development, Independent University Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Motunrayo Ajisola
- National Institute for Health Research Project, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Kehkashan Azeem
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Yen-Fu Chen
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Olufunke Fayehun
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Frances Griffiths
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bronwyn Harris
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Peter Kibe
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Richard J Lilford
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Akinyinka Omigbodun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Narjis Rizvi
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Jo Sartori
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Simon Smith
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Samuel I Watson
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ria Wilson
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Godwin Yeboah
- Institute for Global Sustainable Development, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Navneet Aujla
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Syed Iqbal Azam
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Peter J Diggle
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Paramjit Gill
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Romaina Iqbal
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Lyagamula Kisia
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Jason J Madan
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Blessing Mberu
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Shukri F Mohamed
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Ahsana Nazish
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Mary E Osuh
- Department of Periodontology and Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Eme Owoaje
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Oyinlola Oyebode
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Omar Rahman
- University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Komal Tabani
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Olalekan John Taiwo
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Grant Tregonning
- Institute for Global Sustainable Development, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Olalekan A Uthman
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Rita Yusuf
- Centre for Health, Population and Development, Independent University Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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9
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Khalil H, Abdelnabi R, Osman A, Bashari WA. Applying Telemedicine Technology in Treating Prolactinomas: A Case Report. Cureus 2020; 12:e9043. [PMID: 32656046 PMCID: PMC7346367 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.9043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being considered a relatively new concept, telemedicine has already been associated with improved outcomes and reduced healthcare utilization in the management of several high-risk diseases. However, no reports to date have examined the effectiveness of telemedicine in managing prolactinomas. We report a case of a young male with a macroprolactinoma who was reviewed initially in a face-to-face encounter, however, continued his subsequent management virtually using telemedicine methods with satisfactory clinical outcomes.
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