⁠The Importance of Implementing a Telemedicine System for the Diagnosis and Follow-up of Patients in Hard-to-Reach Riverine Communities

Abstract

Geographical isolation and seasonal changes in river levels hinder timely diagnosis and continuity of care in Latin American riverine communities. This study aimed to analyze the importance of implementing telemedicine systems to support patient diagnosis and follow-up in these communities. A qualitative, non-experimental, exploratory and descriptive documentary review was conducted using inductive reasoning and thematic analysis of scientific publications and technical documents. The findings identified territorial, technological, operational, financial and institutional barriers. In one riverine setting, patients’ needs were reported as resolved with local support in 90.9 percent of 220 consultations, although 99.1 percent involved audiovisual problems. The documentation also described 63 connectivity sites, while completed follow-up and local costs remained insufficiently characterized. The interpretation suggests that operational usefulness is associated with coordination between technology, community health personnel and in-person care; clinical and economic benefits in other populations require contextualization. The study concludes that telemedicine represents a relevant alternative whose development requires locally adapted service organization, data protection and longitudinal evaluation of outcomes and sustainability.