A pilot initiative for medical consultations carried out more than 150 consultations in one month of services in two central communities on the Arapiuns and Tapajós rivers.
More than 150 consultations have already been carried out in one month of telemedicine project services in two hub communities on the Arapiuns and Tapajós rivers, in the riverside region of Santarém, in western Pará.
The project aims to provide access to healthcare by training professionals, structuring them with technological equipment and remote medical teams, reducing waiting times for consultations in various health specialties.
The initiative is carried out by ClubSaúde in partnership with the Health and Happiness Project (PSA) and the Municipal Health Department (Semsa). The project also receives donations from JBS through the “Doing Good Does Good” program.
“We were able to ensure clinical resolution through telemedicine for 84% of the cases. Only 16% of these were referred to Santarém,” explains project manager Rafael Almeida.
The program also contributes to the training of health agents with telemedicine workshops at UBSs, in addition to the donation of boxes for storing medicines. Appointments are being scheduled by community health agents, who will act as a bridge between residents and doctors.
During consultations, doctors provide guidance to patients and assess whether travel to the city is necessary. The project hopes to ensure that riverside residents remain isolated in their communities during the pandemic.
Community leader Rivelino de Sousa celebrated the arrival of the service in his community. “Today, going to Santarém for a consultation costs a lot. Health professionals are coming to our community to consult us online and listen to us. I was very happy to have been seen by a doctor. He told me what I can do and what kind of medicine I can take,” he said.
More than 150 virtual consultations were carried out in just one month of actions — Photo: PSA/Disclosure
More than 150 virtual consultations were carried out in just one month of actions — Photo: PSA/Disclosure
To make services possible, the “Good Deeds Are Good” program donated broadband internet via satellite systems, notebooks and printers to the Basic Health Units (UBS) of São Pedro and Parauá. The centers also received solar energy installations.
Initially, telemedicine services are providing medical support for cases of COVID-19, flu-like illnesses, snakebites, high-risk pregnancies, and prenatal care and chronic diseases. This is a major boost to the Unified Health System, says nurse Tatiane Silva. “We have a huge demand for medical consultations in general. There are more than 2,000 people, and we have a lot to be thankful for because consultations will be available every day and the demands will be met,” she highlighted.
The experience should arrive in the second month in two hubs: São Pedro and Parauá, where it will serve residents of the communities.
Source: https://g1.globo.com/pa/santarem-regiao/noticia/2021/09/10/moradores-da-regiao-ribeirinha-de-santarem-tem-acesso-a-projeto-de-telemedicina.ghtml
