PERCEPTIONS AND USE OF TELE NURSING AMONGST NURSES IN THE BAMENDA HEALTH DISTRICT

Dor Marie Claire Wiydzerla, Dr Lukong Hubert Shalanyuy*, Kuma Audrey Shuri, Dr Tanlaka Lucas Mengnjo, Wam Elvis Chongsi and Kewir Donald Vernyuy 

ABSTRACT

Background: Tele nursing is transforming healthcare delivery globally, offering timely and effective care, especially in remote areas. However, its adoption in Sub Saharan Africa remains critically low due to outdated mindsets and resistance to change among older clinical staff. This underutilization contributes to preventable deaths, particularly in inaccessible regions. Despite proven benefits, many nurses s truggle to embrace tele health because of their training and traditional norms. There is an urgent need to understand and address nurses’ perceptions to accelerate tele nursing integration and reduce healthcare disparities. This study aimed to assess the p erceptions and practices in the use of tele nursing among nurses in the Bamenda Health District. Methods: The study targeted nurses working in the Bamenda Health District (Regional Hospital Bamenda, Nkwen District Hospital, and Nkwen Baptist Hospital). Nur ses on duty who consented participated, while those not on duty or who declined consent were excluded. A sample size of 100 was determined from a population of 130 using a finite population formula. A 2 stage sampling technique was used where the first pha se used the stratified sampling technique to sample the health institutions and the second phase was the convenience sampling, used to sample the study participants. Data was collected via self administered, structured questionnaires with 23 closed ended q uestions across three sections: demographics, perceptions, and use of tele nursing. The tool was pretested at Azire Integrated Health Center and revised for clarity. Ethical clearance and consent were obtained from relevant authorities and participants. Da ta was anonymized, securely stored, and analysed using SPSS version 21. Statistical significance was considered when p value was more than or equal to 0.05. Results: Out of 100 participants, 66% were female, 40% were aged 20 35, and 36% held degrees. Most had 2 5 years of experience (37%), and 35% each came from the Regional and Baptist Hospitals. A majority (80%) had heard of tele nursing and 67% had positive perceptions, which were significantly associated with institution, age, and education level (p < 0 .001). Most (75%) believed tele nursing improves nursing roles and 76% supported its use across all fields. Regarding practice, 74% had good usage levels, significantly associated with institution (p < 0.001), longevity of service (p = 0.01), and positive perception (p < 0.001). Internet limitations (34%) and heavy workload (40%) were key barriers. Conclusion: The study reveals high awareness and positive perceptions of tele nursing among nurses, with strong associations between perception, practice, and in stitutional, educational, and experiential factors. Despite good adoption levels, barriers like internet access and workload remain significant challenges.

Keywords: Perceptions, Practices, Tele nursing, Nurses, Bamenda Health District.