Author:

• Núria Ananda Parron Giacomelli Pereira - Pereira, NAPG - <nuriagiacomelli@gmail.com>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7946-4291

Co-author(s):

• Datiene Aparecida Diniz Rodrigues Bernal - Bernal,DADR - <fisiodatiene@gmail.com>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/ 0009-0009-6604-4341
• Bruno Cardoso Dantas - Dantas, BC - <bruno.dantas@ee.ufcg.edu.br>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6784-5946
• Magda Guimarães de Araújo Faria - Faria, MGA - <magda.faria00@gmail.com>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9928-6392
• Patrícia Simocelli Carbonaro Vinha - Vinha, PSC - <psimocelli@gmail.com>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0482-9209

Abstract:

This study describes the implementation of telerehabilitation in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) in a Midwestern municipality, characterizing the profile of users referred by Primary Health Care, musculoskeletal demands, and clinical outcomes of remote care. This is an observational, descriptive, and quantitative study with a cross-sectional and retrospective design, based on secondary data from April 2024 to April 2025. The sample included 202 patients, mostly women (71.8%), with a mean age of 53.4 years and predominant complaints in the lumbar spine and knees. A total of 619 appointments were scheduled, with 56.2% attendance, 32.1% absences, and 11.6% cancellations. Regarding outcomes, 69.3% discontinued treatment, 21.3% were referred for in-person care, and 9.4% were discharged. Physicians and nurses were the main referrers. An impact on resolvability was observed, with 16.2% of requests canceled or updated in the regulation system. Telerehabilitation proved to be a feasible strategy to expand access and improve quality of care in the SUS.

Keywords:

Digital Health; Telerehabilitation; Physical Therapy Services; Unified Health System; Primary Health Care.

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