A Rede de Teleassistência de Minas Gerais e suas contribuições para atingir os princípios de universalidade, equidade e integralidade do SUS - relato de experiência.

Abstract

Brazilian have unequal access to specialized health care services, especially in remote municipalities. Telehealth is a strategy to support primary health care professionals in such municipalities. The objective for this study was to report a successful experience from the Telehealth Network of Minas Gerais (Rede de Teleassistencia de Minas Gerais - RTMG), which highlights the contribution of this service to the Brazilian Unified Health System principles (Sistema Unico de Saude – SUS). The methodology used includes empirical observations, which compose a retrospective observational study that evaluates teleconsultations and cost-effectiveness. In 2005, public funds from the state government and research development agencies financed RTMG construction, which was intended to connect hospitals from six public universities to primary health caregivers in remote municipalities. In 2006, 82 municipalities were served. The service was expanded several times, and it has reached 660 municipalities since 2012. As of February 2013, 1,165,410 electrocardiograms and 48,680 teleconsultations had been conducted (6.1 activities/municipality/week mean). The teleconsultations averted potential referrals for specialized health care services by 80%. The return on investment was R$ 3.75 for every R$ invested. In conclusion, the RTMG facilitates universality, equality and integrality in the Minas Gerais public health care system as well as contributes to improved care quality.