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St. Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences (SFUCHAS)

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Journal article Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Community Services

Formalising remote consulting in primary care services for underserved populations with long-term conditions in sub-Saharan Africa: a process evaluation and stakeholder engagement.

BMJ Global Health

Authors

  • Titus Mashanya

  • Prof. Senga Pemba

  • Sylvester Ndegese

  • Prof. Albino Kalolo

  • REaCH Trials Collaborative Group

Abstract

The study explores how health workers in Tanzania and Nigeria can integrate remote consulting into routine primary healthcare, particularly for people living with long-term conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. It also examines health system readiness for scaling up remote consulting across seven sub-Saharan African countries.

The findings highlight the potential of remote consulting to improve access to healthcare, save patients' time, strengthen follow-up care, and support communication between patients and healthcare providers. However, sustainable implementation requires investment in airtime, digital infrastructure, clear service delivery guidelines, and formal recognition of remote consulting within healthcare workers' scope of practice.

Read More: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-018780

We are particularly proud to see the contribution of researchers from St. Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences (SFUCHAS), Ifakara to research that informs the future of digital health and equitable primary healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa.

Summary as published by the college when announcing this work. See the journal article for the full abstract.

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