Work

Caregivers’ adoption of telemedicine for children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia receiving oral chemotherapy in palliative care settings in Ghana: a qualitative study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) requires prolonged chemotherapy, often placing caregiving responsibility on families. In low- and middle-income countries such as Ghana, access to specialist care is limited, and telemedicine has emerged as a potential support tool. However, evidence on caregivers’ experiences and adoption of telemedicine in paediatric palliative oncology remains limited. This study explored caregivers’ experiences, perceived benefits, and barriers to telemedicine use during oral chemotherapy at home. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Ghana to explore caregivers’ experiences of telephone-based telemedicine support for children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) receiving oral chemotherapy. Twenty-four caregivers were purposively sampled. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analysed using inductive content analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking, maintenance of an audit trail, and collaborative coding among the research team. Ethical approval was obtained, and the study was reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. Four major themes emerged: (1) experiences with telemedicine use, (2) perceived benefits such as convenience and improved access to care, (3) barriers including technological challenges, financial constraints, and preference for face-to-face care, and (4) contextual and sociocultural influences shaping adoption. Participants reported that telemedicine reduced the travel burden and improved timely access to professional advice; however, unreliable connectivity, the cost of data, and limited digital literacy constrained its use. Family support and cultural beliefs strongly influenced acceptance and engagement. Telemedicine is a valuable adjunct in supporting caregivers of children with ALL in palliative care, improving access and reducing burden. However, its adoption is shaped by infrastructural, financial, and sociocultural factors. Context-sensitive and hybrid care approaches are recommended for LMIC settings in Ghana and similar contexts.

Source: BMC Palliative Care

DOI: 10.1186/s12904-026-02329-0

Authors: Naa Martekie Tackie-Martey, Bisi Adewale, Sulleh Gbande

Institutions: Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, University of Ghana, University of Health and Allied Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,990