Contribution of teleconsultations to strengthening the Health Care Network in Santa Catarina

Abstract

TTelehealth actions, such as teleconsultations, have been established as essential tools for improving healthcare services, particularly within the Unified Health System (SUS). This study analyzed the teleconsultations conducted in Santa Catarina during 2023-2024 in healthcare services supported by the Telehealth Center of the Federal University of Santa Catarina. A total of 78,422 teleconsultations were conducted across 266 municipalities in Santa Catarina between August 2023 and August 2024 and analyzed. The study employed a cross-sectional design with descriptive analysis of data extracted from the Santa Catarina Integrated Telemedicine and Telehealth System. The findings indicated that most requests were made by family and community physicians, with high demand for specialties such as orthopedics, endocrinology, and cardiology. The analysis showed that approximately 48.1% of consultations were suitable for resolution within Primary Health Care, with variability among specialties. The requesting professionals expressed a high level of satisfaction with the teleconsultations, reinforcing the role of telehealth as an effective tool for reducing unnecessary referrals and supporting Primary Health Care. It is concluded that telehealth is a promising strategy for optimizing the flow of care within the SUS, with the potential to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and equity in access to health services.