Telephysiotherapy in the Brazilian Unified Health System: an experience in the Central-West region
Núria Ananda Parron Giacomelli Pereira1, Datiene Aparecida Diniz Rodrigues Bernal1, Bruno Cardoso Dantas2
1Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Prefeitura Municipal de Campo Grande. R. Bahia 280, Jardim dos Estados. 79002-530 Campo Grande MS Brasil, nuriagiacomelli@gmail.com.
Abstract:
This study describes the implementation of telerehabilitation in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) in a Midwestern municipality, characterizing the profile of users referred by Primary Health Care, musculoskeletal demands, and clinical outcomes of remote care. This is an observational, descriptive, and quantitative study with a cross-sectional and retrospective design, based on secondary data from April 2024 to April 2025. The sample included 202 patients, mostly women (71.8%), with a mean age of 53.4 years and predominant complaints in the lumbar spine and knees. A total of 619 appointments were scheduled, with 56.2% attendance, 32.1% absences, and 11.6% cancellations. Regarding outcomes, 69.3% discontinued treatment, 21.3% were referred for in-person care, and 9.4% were discharged. Physicians and nurses were the main referrers. An impact on resolvability was observed, with 16.2% of requests canceled or updated in the regulation system. Telerehabilitation proved to be a feasible strategy to expand access and improve quality of care in the SUS.
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