Evaluating the experience of training through videoconferences in primary care

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Technology
• Medical Education
• Primary Care

Background:

• Technological innovations enable new social processes in organizations.
• Belo Horizonte, Brazil, implemented a videoconferencing training system for primary care professionals.
• The system aimed to address medical, nursing, and dental assistance challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate healthcare professionals' perceptions of a primary care training system utilizing videoconferences.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 373 professionals in 148 basic health units in Belo Horizonte.
• The study was conducted in 2008, focusing on user experiences with the videoconferencing system.

Main Results:

• 58.6% of professionals participated in over three videoconferences within six months.
• 98% found the training topics interesting, and 70% reported the content aided their assistance tasks.
• While sound (36.6%), image (46.4%), and stability (43.9%) had mixed reviews, 90.2% rated the telehealth project positively and 96.7% recommended its expansion.

Conclusions:

• Videoconferencing-based educational training can enhance the competence of primary healthcare providers.
• The telehealth project demonstrated significant potential for improving primary care delivery.