Health professionals and users perception in the use of telemonitoring in Times of COVID-19 in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To capture Health professionals and users perception regarding the use of telemonitoring in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil. Methods: Exploratory qualitative-quantitative research carried out through two semi-structured questionnaires, applied between June and August 2020, nationally, with 1089 participants, 480 professionals and 609 users, using six categories of analysis - experience for the investigation, quality, remuneration, duties and responsibilities, positioning regarding use and technologies - and an additional question about the benefits and harms of telemedicine. Results: The research indicated that although face-to-face care is favored, there is an important movement towards acceptance of telemonitoring, albeit with relative differences in perception regarding the six categories. Access, practicality, agility and convenience stand out as benefits associated with telemedicine, while contact, quality, impersonality, distance and errors stand out as disadvantages. Conclusion: Bringing such issues to light can benefit the expansion of this application, as telemonitoring opens up perspectives for the provision of new services for tracking and monitoring the population's health conditions, preventive health and dehospitalization. Furthermore, the use of digital solutions by the SUS should not be overlooked as, among other aspects, it has the potential to reduce costs.