Tele-rehabilitation in African rural areas: a systematic review

Abstract Tele-rehabilitation is a viable method to address healthcare access difficulties in rural parts of Africa. It involves offering remote rehabilitation services using digital technologies. This systematic review assesses the efficacy, implementation obstacles, and technological prerequisites...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: O. I. Oshomoji, J. O. Ajiroba, S. O. Semudara, M. A. Olayemi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2024-12-01
Series:Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s43161-024-00256-w
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Summary:Abstract Tele-rehabilitation is a viable method to address healthcare access difficulties in rural parts of Africa. It involves offering remote rehabilitation services using digital technologies. This systematic review assesses the efficacy, implementation obstacles, and technological prerequisites of tele-rehabilitation programs in various environments. Evidence suggests that tele-rehabilitation has a substantial positive impact on patient outcomes, such as enhancing functional recovery and improving quality of life. Additionally, it provides cost-saving advantages by reducing the necessity for travel. Nevertheless, it is important to tackle obstacles such as technological constraints, digital literacy, and data security in order to guarantee the effective execution of the plan. It is essential to have culturally sensitive techniques and comprehensive training for healthcare providers in order to optimize the effectiveness and acceptance of these services. Future studies should prioritize investigating the long-term effects, optimizing the technology used, and integrating tele-rehabilitation programs with current healthcare systems in order to improve their sustainability. Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42024611266.
ISSN:2536-9660