ABSTRACT
Introduction: Early diagnosis and prompt therapy of diabetic retinopathy (DR) are essential to prevent visual loss, but access of the diabetic population to regular fundus examination by an ophthalmologist remains a challenge. Methods: This prospective comparative study, including two referral health centers in the state of Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil, assesses applicability and economic viability of fundus photography-based teleophthalmology screening for DR. Results: A total of 2,662 eyes of 1,331 patients were examined at both health centers. Mean age was 57 years, with 836 (62.8%) females. Quality of fundus photographs was acceptable for 2,398 eyes (90.1%). The presence of DR was disclosed in 394 patients (29.6%), with 28 patients (2.1%) presenting evidence of advanced disease (severe nonproliferative or proliferative DR). Economic assessment revealed cost reduction of 28.76 US$ per patient, with a calculated break-even point of 112 exams/month or 1,344 exams/year. Conclusions: For the situation studied under the perspective of public health service, teleophthalmology was viable and cost effective when compared with ordinary ophthalmology examination. In addition, teleophthalmology allowed rapid resolution of repressed demand for fundus examination of diabetic patients locally at the two sites, with early DR diagnoses and referrals. Fundus photography-based teleophthalmology was a viable, effective, and significantly cheaper strategy for the screening of DR.
Subject(s)
Diabetic Retinopathy , Ophthalmology/methods , Telemedicine , Brazil , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Diabetes Mellitus , Diabetic Retinopathy/diagnosis , Female , Fundus Oculi , Humans , Male , Mass Screening , Middle Aged , Photography , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
O objetivo deste artigo é relatar a experiência exitosa da Rede de Teleassistência de Minas Gerais (RTMG), um serviço público de telessaúde em larga escala. A RTMG foi constituída pela parceria entre seis universidades públicas do estado de Minas Gerais (MG). Recursos públicos e de agências de pesquisa financiaram suas atividades. A telecardiologia foi o foco inicial da Rede com realização de eletrocardiograma (ECG) e plantões de cardiologia, posteriormente, um sistema de teleconsultoria em especialidades foi incorporado. A RTMG atualmente abrange 780 municípios com 1.000 pontos de telessaúde em MG. De junho de 2006 a março de 2016, 2,538,592 ECGs e 75,866 teleconsultorias foram realizados e mais de 8.000 profissionais foram treinados. As atividades da RTMG possibilitam o acesso de pacientes de municípios remotos ao cuidado especializado, qualifica os encaminhamentos e contribui para a melhoria do cuidado. Atualmente, os serviços de telessaúde foram integrados ao sistema de saúde em MG. (AU)
The purpose of this article is to report the successful experience of The Telehealth Network of Minas Gerais (TNMG), a public service of telehealth on a large scale. The TNMG was formed through a partnership among six public universities at the Minas Gerais (MG) state. Public funding and research agencies support their activities. The telecardiology was the initial focus providing tele-electrocardiography, later teleconsulting in specialties was incorporated. The TNMG currently covers 780 municipalities in MG with 1,000 points in telehealth. From June 2006 to March 2016, a total of 2,538,592 and 75.866 teleconsultation were done and more than 8,000 professionals were trained. The activities of TNMG allow access of patients from remote municipalities to specialized healthcare, qualify referrals and contribute to the improvement of care. Currently, telehealth services were integrated into to the health system in MG. (AU)
Subject(s)
Primary Health Care , Telemedicine , Universities , Health Systems , Remote ConsultationABSTRACT
PROBLEM: The Brazilian population lacks equitable access to specialized health care and diagnostic tests, especially in remote municipalities, where health professionals often feel isolated and staff turnover is high. Telehealth has the potential to improve patients' access to specialized health care, but little is known about it in terms of cost-effectiveness, access to services or user satisfaction. APPROACH: In 2005, the State Government of Minas Gerais, Brazil, funded the establishment of the Telehealth Network, intended to connect university hospitals with the state's remote municipal health departments; support professionals in providing tele-assistance; and perform tele-electrocardiography and teleconsultations. The network uses low-cost equipment and has employed various strategies to overcome the barriers to telehealth use. LOCAL SETTING: The Telehealth Network connects specialists in state university hospitals with primary health-care professionals in 608 municipalities of the large state of Minas Gerais, many of them in remote areas. RELEVANT CHANGES: From June 2006 to October 2011, 782,773 electrocardiograms and 30 883 teleconsultations were performed through the network, and 6000 health professionals were trained in its use. Most of these professionals (97%) were satisfied with the system, which was cost-effective, economically viable and averted 81% of potential case referrals to distant centres. LESSONS LEARNT: To succeed, a telehealth service must be part of a collaborative network, meet the real needs of local health professionals, use simple technology and have at least some face-to-face components. If applied to health problems for which care is in high demand, this type of service can be economically viable and can help to improve patient access to specialized health care.
