Diagnostic evaluation of institutions as a basis for designing the Brazilian maturity model of telehealth services.

Abstract

Background The number and specificities of telehealth service units that expanded their services and diversified with the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil need to be discovered. The objective of this manuscript is to present a methodology for the diagnostic evaluation of 19 telehealth units from different regions of the country for federal governmental decision-making. Methods A cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative study was carried out in the form of a census based on administrative records with an online survey and in-depth interviews with local telehealth managers. Results Despite the discontinuity of regular funding, the results point to a diversity of initiatives and advances. Citizenship, sustainability, security, and budget management are recurring themes in the maturity analysis of telehealth services after the advent of the pandemic. Conclusion It is necessary for Brazil to build a resilient model of the maturity of telehealth services that contemplates the different regional scenarios.