The Global use of Telemedicine in Tropical Medicine: Where we are after COVID-19?

Abstract

Abstract Issue The use of Telemedicine (TM) to provide remote care is an important strategic resource for reducing inequalities in access to Public Health globally. Many countries with a high prevalence of Tropical Diseases (TD) have an insufficient number of physicians, but this potential for remote assistance is still largely untapped. Description of the problem A Scoping Review was combined with the SWOT technique (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), which is a strategic analysis tool that enables action planning based on the evaluation of the interaction between the internal capacities of a process and external influencing factors. The SWOT analysis matrix of this study was based on a bibliographic research on the topic of TM applied to the clinical management of TD. It sought to obtain a characterization of the current global scenario, identifying (I) the contexts in which initiatives are being implemented and (II) the main gaps in the evidence. The objective is to subsidize action planning by healthcare systems, taking advantage of the expansion pandemic trend. Results A Scoping Review selected 41 studies. As strengths, the advances in the development of m-health tools for clinical and epidemiological monitoring of TD stood out, as well as some successful local experiences in implementing targeted TM systems. Among the weaknesses are infrastructure limitations and a lack of international cooperation initiatives. As for the opportunities, the context of the COVID-19 pandemic increased the importance of the topic on the health systems agenda and boosted investments in the sector. Regarding the threats, the scarcity of specific clinical guidelines and protocols and robust evidence on cost-effectiveness may be highlighted. Lessons The incorporation of TM in the qualification of clinical care for TD can have a relevant impact on the improvement of global public health indicators. The experience in such services is still scarce but represents an opportunity. Key messages There is a relevant potential in using Telemedicine to improve global access to Public Health in TD endemic areas. To support telemedicine there is the need to raise the awareness of managers, health workers and researchers about innovation in Tropical Diseases.