Telemedicina em um Ambulatório de Síndrome de Down no Brasil durante a Pandemia do Covid-19

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to analyze the use of telemedicine during the Covid-19 pandemic (efficiency, effectiveness, positive and negative points as a modality of care) and educational and therapeutic parameters of the patient with Down syndrome during this period. Methods: Data were collected remotely using an online form created by the authors and answered by patients or their caregivers from the Down Syndrome Outpatient Clinic of a university hospital in the South of Brazil. Results: 65 responses were received, with 44.6% of the participants residing in Curitiba, 32.3% in the metropolitan region, 12.3% in the interior of Paraná and 10.8% in other states. Twenty-eight (43.1%) receive the Continued Benefit of Social Assistance. As for education, 41.5% attended special schools, 26.2% regular education, 10.8% both regular education and special education, and 21.5% do not studied. During the pandemic, 81.3% had remote school activities, and 41.3% did not undergo therapy. Health needs were met with consultation through telemedicine in 96.7%. Strengths: not having to go to the clinic (59.4%), easy access to the consultation (71.9%), feeling comfortable with the telemedicine consultation (46.9%), feeling understood by doctors (42.2%), having their doubts and concerns answered (62.5%), not having to miss work (25%). Weakness: impossibility of carrying out the physical examination (100%), connection problems (18.6%), feeling uncomfortable with the telemedicine consultation (10%). Conclusion: Telemedicine was a viable option for patients with Down syndrome during the Covid-19 pandemic with many positive points. During the pandemic, 81.3% had remote school activities, and 41.3% didnt go to therapies.