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A Survey of Telemedicine Use by Doctors in District Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Author

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  • Christopher Morris

    (Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa)

  • Richard E. Scott

    (Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
    Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada)

  • Maurice Mars

    (Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
    Department of Digital Health Systems, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia)

Abstract

There is anecdotal evidence of informal telemedicine activity in KwaZulu-Natal (KZ-N), South Africa. Aim: To determine the current extent of telemedicine in district hospitals in KZ-N; the range of clinical activities and technologies used; additional services needed; current knowledge and practice regarding legal, ethical, and regulatory issues; and the need to formalise telemedicine activities. Method: A cross-sectional survey of telemedicine use by 143 doctors working at 22 District hospitals in KZ-N. Results: Most doctors (96%) participated in some form of telemedicine across a spectrum of disciplines, but more than half did not consider their activities to constitute telemedicine. To meet their needs, doctors have started their own informal services with colleagues, using mostly instant messaging and chat groups (WhatsApp). Some doctors indicated the need to formalise these services and establish additional services. Few doctors were aware of the national telemedicine guidelines and the required written informed consent for telemedicine was seldom obtained. This could have serious legal, regulatory, and ethical implications. Conclusions: Practical clinical and technical guidelines and standard operating procedures need to be developed with the active participation of the clinical workforce. These should encourage innovation and greater use of telemedicine, including the use of instant messaging apps.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher Morris & Richard E. Scott & Maurice Mars, 2022. "A Survey of Telemedicine Use by Doctors in District Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-12, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13029-:d:938871
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Christopher Morris & Richard E. Scott & Maurice Mars, 2021. "WhatsApp in Clinical Practice—The Challenges of Record Keeping and Storage. A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-18, December.
    2. Christopher Morris & Richard E. Scott & Maurice Mars, 2022. "An Audit and Survey of Informal Use of Instant Messaging for Dermatology in District Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-11, June.
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