Improving Education of Medical Students Through Telehealth

Telehealth can be used in medical education to promote teaching-service integration as a low-cost solution to broaden the field of medical practice, especially in rural areas of low and middle-income countries. This article presents our experience in the use of telehealth to broaden the practice field of medical students. In 2017, two itinerants' actions were carried out in municipalities in the state of Pernambuco. In both actions, 396 patients were assisted by a team of professionals, teachers and students in various specialties, with emphasis on mental health and dermatology. 9 students experimented with the use of an electronic patient record system, telehealth platform and a mobile application for tracking of disorders and diseases. The students reported high satisfaction with digital distance practices, and the enrichment of their learning. This digital approach to medical education has fostered greater collaboration among students, faculty and staff, teaching students the skills necessary for their future digital practices.