Influence of Virtual Consultation Systems Services for Patients in Kano State Nigeria

Virtual consultation systems in healthcare also known as telemedicine a two-way technologically driven platforms or tools that enable healthcare providers to connect with patients virtually or remotely to deliver medical services, diagnoses, consultations, or treatments. This research examines the impact of virtual consultation systems (telemedicine) on patients in Kano state, Nigeria, and identifies associated challenges, limitations, and ethical and legal considerations. Using a survey descriptive research design, 211 patients from six hospitals were selected through purposeful and stratified random sampling. Data were collected via the Patient Satisfaction Survey Questionnaire (PSSQ), validated by experts, and tested for reliability. Analysis indicated several recommendations: prioritization of virtual consultation by the government, emphasis on AI by healthcare professionals, provision of online medical data, adoption of 5G technology, use of virtual consultations for chronic condition monitoring, and increased sensitization efforts by hospital management. A descriptive survey research design was utilized in the study, which involved 211 patients from six primary and general hospitals located around the state of Kano. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects that Kano patients received from virtual consultation systems, as well as the difficulties and restrictions associated with virtual conferences and the related ethical and legal issues.