Togolese Doctors’ Awareness, Perceptions, and Practices of Telemedicine: A National Cross‐Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To assess the awareness, perceptions, and practices of telemedicine among Togolese doctors. Material and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2021 on Togolese doctors residing and practicing in Togo. A structured questionnaire which included 32 questions (closed-ended and multiple-choice items) was developed. Data were collected electronically using a Google Form sent by e-mail and WhatsApp to the doctors. Results: Of the 136 doctors surveyed, 83.8% were specialists and 33.8% were university hospital doctors. The internet connection at their place of practice was considered to be mediocre by 44.1% and acceptable by 40.4%. Awareness of teleconsultation (92.7%), tele-expertise (61%), and medical teleassistance (52.9%) was reported. A minority were aware of telemonitoring (43.4%) and medical regulation (14%). Around two-thirds of doctors were aware of the need for patient consent prior to telemedicine (65.4%). Telemedicine was perceived as a necessity in 67.7% of cases. Telemedicine was practiced by 68.4% and this was teleconsultation in 57.4% and tele-expertise in 21.3%. Majority (90%) used WhatsApp to consult and prescribe a prescription remotely. Around 7% and 4% used Facebook for teleconsultation and tele-expertise, respectively. It was opined that medical imaging (74.3%), general medicine (63.2%), and dermatology (56.6%) were the areas in which telemedicine should be further developed. Conclusion: The level of awareness of telemedicine among Togolese doctors was suboptimal. Good practices were not always adopted and perceptions were relatively encouraging. Ongoing training and awareness raising on telemedicine good practices could be necessary for its efficient and safe use in Togo.