Perceptions of Telemedicine and Rural Healthcare Access in a Developing Country: A Case Study of Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Introduction Telemedicine is the remote delivery of healthcare services using information and communication technologies and has gained global recognition as a solution to address healthcare disparities. This study explores the perceptions of telemedicine and its potential to improve rural healthcare access in a…
2025 2,469 reads 2 citations
Original Articles
Perceptions of Telemedicine and Rural Healthcare Access in a Developing Country: A Case Study of Bayelsa State, Nigeria
IntroductionTelemedicine is the remote delivery of healthcare services using information and communication technologies and has gained global recognition as a solution to address healthcare disparities. This study explores the perceptions of telemedicine and its potential to improve rural healthcare access in a developing country through the insights of undergraduate Medical Laboratory Science students.
MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 42 fourth-year students of the Medical Laboratory Science program. Respondents completed a structured questionnaire that assessed their awareness, familiarity, perceived benefits and barriers to telemedicine, and their views on its applicability in rural Bayelsa.
ResultsThe findings indicated that while the majority of respondents (60.5%) were aware of telemedicine, their understanding of specific types, such as asynchronous and synchronous telehealth, was limited. The main perceived benefits were improved healthcare access (48.8%) and reduced costs (18.6%). Acceptance levels varied, with 47.6% endorsing telemedicine, while others remained uncertain or sceptical.
ConclusionThe study reveals enthusiasm and knowledge gaps among future healthcare professionals regarding telemedicine. It highlights the need for targeted education, digital literacy, and infrastructure investment to enable telemedicine in rural Nigerian communities.
Keywords Digital health Healthcare access Telemedicine Rural healthcare All subjects
Barw Medical Journal. 2025;3(4):21–25