TELEDIAGNOSTICS FOR CHRONIC RESPIRATORY DISEASES IN SOUTH BRAZIL

Background and Objective: RespiraNet, telediagnosis in spirometry project was created due to the high prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in Rio Grande do Sul state. These diseases have a strong impact on the health system. This pioneering service is tied to a telehealth service of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul and is available to primary care physicians. Seven decentralized spirometers were implanted by region with total capacity to perform 1680 spirometry per month. We aimed to describe the use of telediagnostics service for chronic respiratory diseases in Rio Grande do Sul, from September 2013 to December 2015. Methods: Cross-sectional study that has as sources the project's own databases. Data collection was conducted from September 2013 to December 2015. We evaluated the exams solicited and performed during this period. Results and Conclusions: 7.605 spirometries were requested, 7.262 (95.5%) performed. Among the 343 exams unrealized, the main reasons were: 76 (22.1%) requests were canceled for failure to attend; 28 (8.2%) exams held in other service, 25 (7.3%) requested for medical not enabled, 16 (4.7%) patient not wanted to accomplish, 15 (4.4%) had no clinical indication, 12 (3.5%) exams were not effectively realized due to difficulties found by patients. Tele-spirometry decreases the access barriers, leading to an increase in the number of exams available but there is still service underutilization. It is necessary to invest in outreach strategies and increased use of clinical protocols for qualification of care to patients with chronic respiratory diseases.