Title: Healthcare Providers' Knowledge and Readiness for Telehealth-Based Follow-Up Care for Chronic Disease Management in a Nigerian Tertiary Healthcare Facility
Authors: Mbamalu, Stephanie and Anieche, John Emenike
Volume: 10
Issue: 6
Pages: 1-9
Publication Date: 2026/06/28
Abstract:
Telehealth is increasingly recognized as a vital strategy for improving access to routine follow-up care for patients with chronic diseases. This study assessed the knowledge and readiness of telehealth consultations for follow-up care at Federal Medical Centre, Onitsha. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. The study population comprised doctors and nurses involved in chronic disease management within the hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with IBM SPSS version 27. Frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to summarize the data, while chi-square analysis was used to test hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that majority of healthcare provider's demonstrated good knowledge of telehealth consultations, with over 65% indicating adequate awareness of telehealth applications in patient care. Approximately 72% of healthcare providers expressed readiness to adopt telehealth consultations and willingness to participate in telehealth training program. However, practical knowledge regarding telehealth implementation within specific clinical departments remained moderate.Chi-square analysis revealed no statistically significant association between healthcare providers' knowledge and readiness toward telehealth consultations (?² = 2.77, p = 0.10). The study further revealed a statistically significant relationship between years of professional experience and knowledge of telehealth consultations. The study concluded that although healthcare providers demonstrated positive attitudes toward telehealth adoption, successful implementation would depend on adequate institutional support, digital infrastructure, technical training, and organizational preparedness. The study recommends continuous professional training, improved technological infrastructure, and supportive telehealth policies to strengthen telehealth implementation in Nigeria.