Percepção dos profissionais sobre o uso da telemedicina para a atenção integral a pessoas em situação de violência sexual em tempos de pandemia da COVID-19: um estudo qualitativo

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the satisfaction, potential and challenges related to the use of telemedicine from the perspective of health professionals in a referral service for people in situations of sexual violence. This is a descriptive, qualitative study carried out in an outpatient clinic that assists victims of sexual violence at a Brazilian university hospital. Interviews were conducted with three health professionals between June and December 2021. Data were processed through content analysis, thematic modality. Three thematic categories emerged: Telemedicine care for victims of sexual violence; Technical resources used in telemedicine; and Challenges and feelings in caring for victims of sexual violence. The first includes the subcategories: Adherence to telemedicine; Democratization of access; Initial anxieties about telemedicine; Good practices related to linkage in telemedicine; and Disadvantages of telemedicine. In the last one, the subcategories were revealed: Professional vulnerability and impotence; and De-stigmatization of taboos. Only the second category did not present subcategories. Despite concerns related to the presence of the aggressor or third parties and the possible lack of privacy of victims during care, in the view of the professionals interviewed, telemedicine does not harm their bond with patients. For health professionals, the destigmatization of taboos related to sexual violence and the democratization of access to health services are advantages of telemedicine that justify their stay beyond the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.