Telemedicine in the National Immunization Program (Brazil): A promising tool

• Main Authors: Brandão, L.G.P (Author), Cerbino-Neto, J. (Author), da Costa, M.D (Author), da Silva Santos, A.T (Author), de Aguiar, D.F (Author), de Almeida, V.M (Author), de Carvalho, F. (Author), de Jesus-Junior, S.C.A (Author), de Lemos, A.S (Author), de Oliveira, L.A (Author), Dias, D.V.B.S (Author), Kury, C.M.H (Author), Martins, P.S (Author), Varela, M.C (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 2022
• Subjects: Brazilian National Immunization Program; Special immunization; Telemedicine; Vaccines
• Online Access: View Fulltext in Publisher

 The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic abruptly changed the dynamics of basic health care, with the consequent need for adjustments in essential services. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptance and impact of telemedicine at a Reference Center for Special Immunobiologicals (CRIE). Methods: Patients aged 18 years or older who had a medical referral to CRIE and agreed to have a telemedicine consultation were included. After the medical appointments, participants answered a satisfaction survey. Results: From April 2021 to February 2022, 702 telemedicine consultation were conducted. Over 3,380 vaccines were prescribed via telemedicine. Of all the participants who answered the satisfaction questionnaire, 99.8% stated that they would recommend the service to other people. Conclusions: Telemedicine proved to be promising tool for healthcare at CRIE and had good acceptance by users, potentially improving access and extending the reach of the National Immunization Program. © 2022 The Authors