AN IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATION ON THE SECURITY AND PRIVACY CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH TELEHEALTH PLATFORMS IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Health is the provision of healthcare services remotely through the use of electronic information and communication technologies, including mobile applications, video conferencing, and remote monitoring. There are different types of telehealth, which are; Synchronous telehealth; this involves real time communication between a patient and a health care provider, Asynchronous telehealth; which is a store and forward communication, where medical information is transmitted electronically for consultation and diagnosis; Remote monitoring, this is the tracking of patients vital signs and health status remotely (American telemedicine association, 2020). Health has existed for decades but became prevalent during the COVID-19 Pandemic around 2020-2021 (Adeoye and Olaogun, 2020). In 2021, 37.0% of adults used telemedicine in the past 12 months, while 38.78% of USA adults are reported to have a telehealth visit in the previous year (J. Med, 2022). Health platform is a digital solution that enables healthcare providers to deliver medical services remotely. Health platforms have revolutionized the way healthcare service is delivered by promoting convenience, increasing access and cost-efficiency. Individuals no longer need to visit the hospital in order to access healthcare, health care services can be accessed on the go (Healthcare Finance News, 2019). 

Nigeria as a country faces a lot of health care challenges ranging from; lack of infrastructure, to a lack in qualifies professionals, and limited access to healthcare services. The emergence of telehealth has become essential in addressing these challenges (Bashir and Bastola, 2018). Health has the potential of addressing some of these challenges by increasing access to healthcare service, improving healthcare outcome, and reducing health care cost (Adeoye and Olaogun, 2020).

However, telehealth platforms has its own challenges which include; awareness, technical issues, regulations, compliance, security and privacy challenges. Health platforms handle sensitive patient data, which may attract cyber criminals. Health platforms are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, data breaches, and unauthorized access to patients’ data (Okereafor and Adebola, 2021). In Nigeria, the security and privacy challenge of telehealth platforms are heighted by the country’s limited cyber-security capacity, inadequate data protection laws, and lack of awareness about the telehealth security and privacy (Kshetri, 2014). It is therefore, imperative to investigate the security and privacy challenges associated with telehealth platforms in Nigeria so as to proffer solution which will help telehealth address confidentiality, integrity and protection of patients’ sensitive data. It would also help healthcare providers expand their reach, improve patient engagement, and enhance the overall quality of healthcare.

Statement of the Study

The security and privacy challenges associated with telehealth platforms in Nigeria poses a significant threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of patients’ sensitive information (Healthcare Quaterly, 2020). Cyber security issues such as hacking, data breaches, and unauthorized access to patients data poses several risks such as; identity theft, financial losses, and damages to the reputation of the telehealth platform (Kshetri, 2015). Several researchers have highlighted the vulnerabilities in telehealth platform. Kshetri (2015), states that the increasing reliance on digital health technologies has made healthcare system prime targets for cyber-attacks. This is of concern in Nigeria where the healthcare infrastructure is still developing, and cyber security measures are limited.

According to (Bashir and Bastola, 2018), many developing countries, including Nigeria, face significant regulatory gaps in protecting patient data. The absence of comprehensive data protection laws and enforcement means that healthcare providers often operate without clear guidance on ensuring the security and privacy of telehealth services. (Adeoye and Olaogun, 2020), stated that there is general lack in awareness and training on cyber security best practices among healthcare professionals. 

Furthermore, the lack of technological infrastructure in Nigeria possess another challenge in the security and privacy protection of patients sensitive information.( Okerefor and Adebola, 2021) emphases that the integration of modern, secure technologies is crucial for protecting patient data. There is therefore, pressing need to investigate the security and privacy challenges associated with telehealth platforms in Nigeria and understanding these challenges would help mitigate risks and protect patients’ sensitive information online.

Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to investigation the security and privacy challenges associated with telehealth platforms in Nigeria. Other specific objective if this study are: 

Identify the security and privacy threats affecting telehealth platforms in Nigeria.

Evaluate the consistencies associated with the security and privacy shortcomings of telehealth platforms in Nigeria.

Ascertain the various measures implemented to mitigate security and privacy issues among telehealth platforms in Nigeria.

Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered;

What are the security and privacy threats affecting the telehealth platforms in Nigeria?

What are the shortcomings in consistencies associated with the security and privacy in telehealth platforms in Nigeria?

What are the measures implemented to mitigate security and privacy issues associated with the telehealth platforms in Nigeria?

Research Hypothesis

Here are some research hypothesis based on the study.

H0: There are no consistent security and privacy shortcomings associated with telehealth platforms in Nigeria.

H2: There are consistent security and privacy shortcomings associated with telehealth platforms in Nigeria.

Significance of the Study

Significance of the study on investigation the security and privacy challenges associated with telehealth platforms in Nigeria would contribute to existing literatures on telehealth in Nigeria.

This study aims to shed more light on the security and privacy issues challenging telehealth platforms in Nigeria.

This study would help develop strategies which would mitigate security and privacy challenges facing telehealth platforms in Nigeria.

The result from this study will contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regards to the security and privacy challenges associated with telehealth platforms in Nigeria.

Scope of the Study.

The study would focus on investigation the security and privacy challenges associated with telehealth platforms in Nigeria. Empirically, this study will identify the security and privacy threats affecting telehealth platforms in Nigeria, evaluate the consistencies associated with the security and privacy shortcomings of telehealth platforms in Nigeria, and ascertain the various measures implemented to mitigate security and privacy issues among telehealth platforms in Nigeria.

This study would be carried out in Nigeria.

Limitation of the Study

The study may not be carried out for an extensive period of time to investigation the security and privacy challenges associated with telehealth platforms in Nigeria. The sample size is also limited to Nigeria which may not reflect the overall security and privacy challenges associated with telehealth.

The study relies of self-reported data, which is subject to biases, errors and inaccuracies.

Definition of Terms.

Health: it is the use of electronic information and communication technologies, such as video conferencing, mobile apps, and remote monitoring, to deliver healthcare services remotely.

Security: Measures taken to protect information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

Privacy: The right individuals have to control access to their personal information.