Telemedicina em neonatologia: Revisão de escopo e proposição de protocolo clínico

Abstract

Telemedicine has been consolidated as a relevant strategy to expand access to specialized healthcare, especially in areas characterized by a shortage of professionals and geographic limitations. In neonatology, its application shows significant potential to improve the quality of care provided to newborns across different healthcare settings, including the delivery room, neonatal intensive care units, and post-discharge follow-up. This study aimed to conduct an escope review on the use of telemedicine in neonatal consultations, as well as to propose an institutional care protocol for its implementation at the Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Uberlândia. The methodology consisted of an escope review conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, BVS/LILACS, Google Scholar, and official agency and medical society sources, with study selection carried out according to the PRISMA-ScR recommendations. A total of 215 records were identified, of which 18 studies met the inclusion criteria and composed the final qualitative synthesis. The results demonstrate that telemedicine is a feasible, safe, and effective tool for supporting clinical decision-making, reducing avoidable transfers, and strengthening the continuity of neonatal care. It is concluded that the structured implementation of telemedicine in neonatology, combined with well-defined care protocols, can significantly contribute to improving the quality of neonatal care and to the integration of healthcare networks.