Teleconsultation as a strategy for strengthening the health system: effects on Primary Health Care and network organization
1
Departament of Public Health, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
2
Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A980
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Telehealth and telemedicine are relevant strategies for improving quality of care, expanding access, and integrating Health Care Networks (RAS) within Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS)1,2. However, gaps remain regarding the actual and perceived effects of teleconsultations on network organization from the perspective of the professionals involved in their delivery and sustainability3,4. Accordingly, this study analyzed the perceived effects of teleconsultation use within the SUS, based on the views of managers and teleconsultants affiliated with the Digital Health Center of the Federal University of Santa Catarina.
METHODS:
This qualitative study was conducted in seven municipalities in the state of Santa Catarina between February and December 2025, using semi-structured interviews with 35 managers and 20 teleconsultants. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis5, from which five categories emerged: continuing professional education, improvement in referrals, reduction in waiting lists, cost reduction, and strengthening of Primary Health Care (PHC).
RESULTS:
The findings indicate positive effects of teleconsultation on care quality and health system organization, particularly its role in continuing education by promoting ongoing clinical updating and improvement of care practices. Improvements in referral quality and strengthened communication across different levels of care were also observed. These effects contributed to more efficient use of system resources, reflected in cost reductions, rationalization of diagnostic tests, and decreased waiting times for specialized care.
CONCLUSIONS:
Teleconsultation contributed to strengthening PHC by increasing its problem-solving capacity, integrating it more effectively with specialized care, and providing clinical support to underserved areas with a shortage of specialists. From the participants’ perspective, teleconsultation proved to be an effective strategy for improving quality of care by integrating educational, clinical, and managerial dimensions, thereby consolidating PHC’s role as the coordinator of care within the Unified Health System.
Telehealth and telemedicine are relevant strategies for improving quality of care, expanding access, and integrating Health Care Networks (RAS) within Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS)1,2. However, gaps remain regarding the actual and perceived effects of teleconsultations on network organization from the perspective of the professionals involved in their delivery and sustainability3,4. Accordingly, this study analyzed the perceived effects of teleconsultation use within the SUS, based on the views of managers and teleconsultants affiliated with the Digital Health Center of the Federal University of Santa Catarina.
METHODS:
This qualitative study was conducted in seven municipalities in the state of Santa Catarina between February and December 2025, using semi-structured interviews with 35 managers and 20 teleconsultants. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis5, from which five categories emerged: continuing professional education, improvement in referrals, reduction in waiting lists, cost reduction, and strengthening of Primary Health Care (PHC).
RESULTS:
The findings indicate positive effects of teleconsultation on care quality and health system organization, particularly its role in continuing education by promoting ongoing clinical updating and improvement of care practices. Improvements in referral quality and strengthened communication across different levels of care were also observed. These effects contributed to more efficient use of system resources, reflected in cost reductions, rationalization of diagnostic tests, and decreased waiting times for specialized care.
CONCLUSIONS:
Teleconsultation contributed to strengthening PHC by increasing its problem-solving capacity, integrating it more effectively with specialized care, and providing clinical support to underserved areas with a shortage of specialists. From the participants’ perspective, teleconsultation proved to be an effective strategy for improving quality of care by integrating educational, clinical, and managerial dimensions, thereby consolidating PHC’s role as the coordinator of care within the Unified Health System.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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