(In)equity in primary health care teleconsultations: an exploratory study

Abstract

As part of the transition to digital health, it is expected that teleconsultations between general practitioners or primary care nurses and patients will be increasingly used. This study aims to understand which of the social determinants of health (SODH) and equity indicators referred in the literature can be used in a primary health care teleconsultation environment. The research methodology followed was based on the Delphi method. The results highlight the existence of different perceptions on the concept of equity and some lack of awareness about it by primary health care health professionals. Therefore, an effort should be made to educate and train health professionals on issues related to equity and, in particular, in the context of teleconsultations. The future adoption of a performance assessment system that includes identified SODH determinants and equity indicators in teleconsultation will favor the registration, monitoring, and improvement of aspects related equity in the teleconsultation by primary health care centres.