Telehealth to support referral management in a universal health system: a before-and-after study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Management of patient flow within a healthcare network, allowing equitable and qualified access to healthcare, is a major challenge for universal health systems. Implementation of telehealth strategies to support referral management has been shown to increase primary care resolution and to promote coordination of care. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of telehealth strategies on waiting lists and waiting times for specialized care in Brazil.

Methods

Before-and-after study with measures obtained between January 2019 and February 2020. Baseline measurements of waiting lists were obtained immediately before the implementation of a remotely operated referral management system. Post-interventional measurements were obtained monthly, up to six months

SUBMITTER: Gadenz SD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8467186 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature