Telemonitoring in Portugal: where do we stand and which way forward?

Area of Science:

• Healthcare innovation and policy
• Digital health adoption in Portugal

Background:

• Post-pandemic pressure for efficient, sustainable, and equitable healthcare in Portugal.
• Telemonitoring (TM) identified as a key solution for vulnerable patient populations.
• Emergence of various TM initiatives necessitates a comprehensive analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive analysis of the telemonitoring landscape in Portugal.
• To examine the conditions, governmental strategy, and reimbursement for telehealth development.
• To assess TM implementation, adoption, and challenges using the NASSS framework.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of underlying conditions for telehealth development in Portugal.
• Review of the National Strategic Plan for Telehealth and NHS reimbursement policies.
• Analysis of 46 reported TM initiatives and adoption studies from provider perspectives.
• Application of the Nonadoption, Abandonment, and challenges to the Scale-up, Spread, and Sustainability (NASSS) framework.

Main Results:

• Growing adoption of TM by Portuguese institutions, supported by governance and reimbursement.
• TM proved particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Limited number of patients currently monitored through TM initiatives.
• Key barriers identified: low digital literacy (patients and providers), lack of care integration, and resource scarcity.

Conclusions:

• Portuguese TM adoption is increasing, influenced by strategic planning and financial incentives.
• Significant barriers, including digital literacy and resource limitations, impede the scaling of TM initiatives.
• Addressing these challenges is crucial for widespread TM adoption and sustainability in Portugal.