Rio Grande do Norte Telehealth Technical Scientific Center: a history of technical cooperation

Abstract

Introduction: Telehealth, as a tool for technical cooperation, can enhance health services, exemplified by initiatives in Rio Grande do Norte. Objective: To share experiences of the Technical-Scientific Telehealth Center of Rio Grande do Norte in state and national cooperation efforts. Methods: Data were collected from the Center's database, academic publications, and historical contexts. The results were categorized into tele-regulation, teleconsultations, telediagnosis, and national initiatives. Results: Through RegulaRN, over 140,000 tele-regulations were performed. Teleconsultations included pediatrics (n>20,000), audiology (n>1,500), psychology (n>400), and multidisciplinary sessions for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (n>1,000). More than 3,000 telediagnoses were conducted in audiology, bone densitometry, and spirometry. Nationally, the Center developed the Sistema de Monitoramento e Avaliação dos Resultados do Telessaúde, integrating production data from telehealth centers and optimizing the management of the national telehealth policy. The Plataforma Nacional de Telediagnóstico expanded diagnostic coverage across the country and facilitated the regulation of the national waiting list. Conclusion: The Center has significantly contributed to the digital transformation of health services in Rio Grande do Norte and the advancement of telehealth on a national scale.