Keep it simple: telemedicine to support pediatric care in Ethiopia through existing instant messaging applications

Background: For telemedicine to be implemented and sustained in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), it must be accessible, equitable, affordable, and compatible with current infrastructures. This study is to evaluate the views of pediatric healthcare practitioners in Ethiopia toward using an instant messaging app (Telegram) to conduct tele-consultations and asynchronous medical education. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative method via in-person interviews or message exchange to get greater insights and deeper meanings of pediatric doctors in Ethiopia about the use of Telegram chat groups for teleconsultations and medical education. Coding and Thematic analysis were applied to identify common themes and data analysis. Results: ". Conclusions: Telegram is already used by pediatric providers in Ethiopia for telemedicine and medical education. This affordable intervention can improve access and ease the burden of consultations for all providers while meeting current infrastructure. It has potential to be scaled up and regulated to improve pediatric telemedicine in Ethiopia and many LMIC.