Implementing Rede Universitaria de Telemedicina Usability-the Brazilian Telemedicine University Network

Problem statement: Remote and underserved regions in Brazil have a lack of specialized doctors for health assistance and education. Approach: The Brazilian Telehealth initiative enables videoconferencing, diagnosis and formative second opinion, continuous and permanent education and web conferencing, by linking university and teaching hospitals via RNP (Rede Nacional de Ensino e Pesquisa), Brazil’s national research and education R and E network. Results: It operates two significant national projects: The Telemedicine University Network, RUTE (Rede Universitaria de TElemedicina www.rute.rnp.br, (Pesquisas e Acoes em Saude nos Institutos de Pesquisa do Ministerio da Ciencia e Tecnologia, N.1, 2010) and the National Telehealth Primary Care Program, Brazil Telehealth (www.telessaudebrasil.org.br); respectively from the Science and Technology Ministry MCT and Health Ministry MS. The municipal, state, national and international health institutions coordinate collaborative projects in research, innovation, development, management, education and assistance. Conclusion: At the moment 48 University and Teaching Hospitals operate their Telemedicine Nuclei and also a network of more than 200 institutions and their specialists participating in 40 Special Interest Groups, with ca. 2-3 sessions every day.