Telehealth by occupational therapists in the brazilian unified health system during the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory study with professionals
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2238-6149.v34i1-3e225603Keywords:
Unified Health System, Occupational Therapy, COVID-19, Telehealth, BrazilAbstract
Introduction: Telehealth emerged as a crucial tool employed by occupational therapists within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: This research aimed to understand how telehealth was used by occupational therapists working in SUS. Methodological procedures: Exploratory and descriptive study using the inductive investigative approach method, with the application of a self-administered questionnaire and open interviews with occupational therapists. Results: Occupational therapists played a leading role in health actions, adopting new professional reasoning and digital tools in the occupational therapy processes with users, families, and collectives. Conclusion: Despite the challenges related to professional digital literacy, insufficient infrastructure, and data security measures within healthcare institutions, the adoption of telehealth modalities by occupational therapists ensured access to care during the pandemic demonstrating its potential to enhance occupational therapy services in the SUS.
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