Telehealth Centers: A Proposal of a Theoretical Model for Evaluation

Background: Telehealth is a form of assistance support and continuing education for professionals who work in Primary Healthcare. Introduction: The implementation of the Brazilian Telehealth Program has extended the need for evaluation of its results to improve its use and benefits. Thus, it is necessary to systematize the theory, principals, and guidelines that guide the program organization, its activities, and resources. The objective of this study is to propose a theoretical model of functioning and organization for telehealth centers of the Brazilian Telehealth Program. Materials and Methods: A study that combined bibliographic, documental research and empiric data to systematize information, which are the basis functioning of the program, and verify the availability of telehealth centers in Brazil. Results: The results were the construction of a theoretical model that demonstrated the evaluability of the object and the definition of methodological paths to continue the evaluation research that respond with fragilities and potentialities. Discussion: In Brazil, there is public funding for telehealth activities offered by telehealth centers linked to the Ministry of Health. Its operation is guided by support for training and assistance activities, enabling qualification and strengthening of professionals to improve patient care and increase access. The transformation of reality is possible and favored by the articulation of teaching and service. More research is needed to evaluate these services offered. Theoretical guidance through modeling is fundamental to qualify the evaluation. Conclusion: The theoretical model is an important tool to qualify and optimize the evaluative research process.