Designing and Implementing a Telemedicine System in Central African Clinics: A Mixed-Methods Study on Enhanced Specialist Care Access

Telemedicine has emerged as a critical tool for enhancing access to specialist care in underserved regions such as Central Africa. In Benin's clinics, telemedicine can significantly improve service delivery by overcoming geographical constraints. A mixed-methods approach was employed for this study, integrating both quantitative surveys (n=200) assessing clinician satisfaction and qualitative interviews (n=15) exploring user experiences. Additionally, a case study of one clinic provided in-depth insights into system design and implementation challenges. Quantitative data indicated an overall improvement in clinician satisfaction post-intervention (mean score increased by 20%), while qualitative feedback highlighted the need for further training on telemedicine protocols. The mixed-methods approach successfully facilitated a comprehensive evaluation of the telemedicine system's impact, offering valuable lessons for future deployment and adaptation to local contexts. Recommendations include ongoing user support and continuous improvement in digital infrastructure to sustain long-term effectiveness. Stakeholder collaboration is also emphasised as key to successful implementation. Telemedicine, specialist care, mixed-methods study, Benin clinics