Impact of a Virtual Clinic in a Paediatric Cardiology Network on Northeast Brazil.
Introduction. Congenital heart diseases (CHD) affect approximately 1% of live births and is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite that, there is a shortage of paediatric cardiologists in Brazil, mainly in the northern and northeastern regions. In this context, the implementation of virtual outpatient clinics with the aid of different telemedicine resources may help in the care of children with heart defects. Methods. Patients under 18 years of age treated in virtual outpatient clinics between January 2013 and May 2014 were selected. They were divided into 2 groups: those who had and those who had not undergone a screening process for CHD in the neonatal period. Clinical and demographic characteristics were collected for further statistical analysis. Results. A total of 653 children and teenagers were treated in the virtual outpatient clinics. From these, 229 had undergone a neonatal screening process. Fewer abnormalities were observed on the physical examination of the screened patients. Conclusion. The implementation of pediatric cardiology virtual outpatient clinics can have a positive impact in the care provided to people in areas with lack of skilled professionals.
Círculo do Coração, Avenida Portugal No. 163, Segundo Andar-Paissandu, 52010-010 Recife, PE, Brazil.
Juliana Sousa Soares
JS
de Araújo
Círculo do Coração, Avenida Portugal No. 163, Segundo Andar-Paissandu, 52010-010 Recife, PE, Brazil.
Adalberto Vieira
AV
Dias Filho
Círculo do Coração, Avenida Portugal No. 163, Segundo Andar-Paissandu, 52010-010 Recife, PE, Brazil.
Renata Grigório
RG
Silva Gomes
Círculo do Coração, Avenida Portugal No. 163, Segundo Andar-Paissandu, 52010-010 Recife, PE, Brazil.
Cláudio Teixeira
CT
Regis
Círculo do Coração, Avenida Portugal No. 163, Segundo Andar-Paissandu, 52010-010 Recife, PE, Brazil.
Klecida Nunes
KN
Rodrigues
Círculo do Coração, Avenida Portugal No. 163, Segundo Andar-Paissandu, 52010-010 Recife, PE, Brazil.
Nicoly Negreiros
NN
Siqueira
Círculo do Coração, Avenida Portugal No. 163, Segundo Andar-Paissandu, 52010-010 Recife, PE, Brazil.
Fernanda Cruz de Lira
FC
Albuquerque
Célula C., Avenida Portugal No. 163, Segundo Andar-Paissandu, 52010-010 Recife, PE, Brazil.
Felipe Alves
FA
Mourato
Célula C., Avenida Portugal No. 163, Segundo Andar-Paissandu, 52010-010 Recife, PE, Brazil.
Sandra da Silva
Sda S
Mattos