ArticleFrontiers in digital health2026
Role of telemedicine in bridging the healthcare gap: application of the hub and spokes model in the Hohoe Municipality, Ghana.
Article in Frontiers in digital health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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7 authors.
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Abstract
Background: Despite ongoing efforts toward achieving Universal Health Coverage in Ghana, access to healthcare in rural areas is still limited. Among the services that are accessible, there is still a gap in the quality of the services provided in rural areas. Telemedicine offers a promising solution, but evidence of its role and effectiveness is yet to be fully realized. This study, therefore, explored the role of telemedicine in bridging the healthcare gap in the Hohoe Municipality. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining in-depth interviews with 23 health professionals and 16 patients. A retrospective chart review of telemedicine records from October 2021 to October 2023 was conducted. Descriptive analysis was performed on the quantitative data with Stata V.17, while qualitative data collected were analyzed thematically using Atlas.ti v7.5. Results: Out of 1,411 patients who used telemedicine services, 40% of the conditions were maternal and 89.1% of the consultations were referred to a higher facility with only 2.2% resulting in aborted referrals. Telemedicine plays a role in terms of accessibility (bridging geographical barriers), smoothing referrals, case management, and improving service delivery. Patients were highly satisfied with the telemedicine services. However, challenges faced included unstable network connectivity, unavailability of telephones (which made providers use their personal mobile phones), and other logistical challenges. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the role of telemedicine in bridging the healthcare access gap and its contribution to the healthcare system through the Hub and Spoke model in the Hohoe Municipality. To accelerate progress towards attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.8 on universal health coverage, we recommend that telemedicine be extended to all health facilities in Ghana, especially the rural areas, while addressing the challenges inherent in its implementation.
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