Telemental
Health Care has reported very good results and is included within
mental health priorities by the
World Health Organization. Objective To provide an overview of the current situation of the integration of Brazilian
telemedicine activities into
primary health care.
Methods Critical
review based on
MEDLINE database, using the
keywords
telemedicine,
primary health care
mental health and telemental
health, on websites of the Brazilian Ministry of
Health and Brazilian Telehealth Network Program, and on
personal communication. Results The Brazilian Telehealth Network Program is well positioned and connects
primary health care with academic centers.
Regulations standards allow a broader scope of activities for
psychologists, however, are more restrictive for
physicians. In
Brazil most of telemental
health activities are focused on
education and
second opinion consulting. A huge challenge must be overcome considering the regional differences and the telehealth implementation experience.
Research initiatives have been initiated both in the implementation and evaluation of the
mental health assistance into
primary health care. Discussion Brazilian Telemental
Health initiatives into
Primary Care are aligned with other examples around the world, have a great potential for improving
mental health care service delivery, and access to proper
mental health care, especially if articulated in a national program and coordinated
research...