A Framework for Enhancing the Uptake and Utilisation of Telehealth in HIV Care in Harare, Zimbabwe
Abstract:
Telehealth, a rapidly evolving facet of
modern healthcare, is revolutionising the way medical services are delivered.
Implementing telehealth involves careful planning, coordination, and
consideration of various factors. Despite the promotion of telehealth by the
World Health Organisation and key health professionals, several implementation
failures have been reported. Previous studies have reported failures related to
a lack of well-structured frameworks that provide guidance and standardisation,
efficiency, integration, and compliance. This study was part of a multi-phase
study aimed at developing a framework to improve the uptake and utilisation of
telehealth in HIV care in Harare, Zimbabwe. A mixed-methods approach which
includes both qualitative and quantitative approaches was used. Three separate
studies of this multi-phase study have been published. Guided by the findings
of the previous three studies, and the Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up,
Spread and Sustainability framework, a consolidation process was undertaken
using an iterative inductive approach to design a framework that demonstrated
relationships between the identified key elements and their role in improving
telehealth uptake and utilisation in HIV care services. The designed framework
highlights separate and distinct sections: current telehealth status;
strategies to enhance telehealth implementation, utilisation and scale-up; and
recommended actions. Suggested strategies include an improvement of existing
infrastructure, increased funding, development of guiding policies, and
partnerships. The framework could guide policy formulation and decision-making
among stakeholders. Careful consideration of the framework could also ensure the
successful future implementation of telehealth across the whole country.
However, significant hurdles to telehealth utilisation and scale-up exist and
should be addressed to realise the full potential.
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