Abstract
Objective This article describes the implementation and functioning of a telemonitoring center
of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) organized by the Telehealth Center of the
Medical School of the Federal University of Minas Gerais who signed an agreement with
the Minas Gerais State Department of Health (SES/MG, in Portuguese), Brazil.
Study Design This is a descriptive retrospective study from December 2012 to June 2014 of a NICU
telemonitoring project.
Results Twelve Web conferences have been performed. Six thousand, eight hundred and thirty
nine (6,839) online teleconsultations of pediatricians and nurses with experience
in neonatology and intensive care have been performed, of which 174 were with subspecialists,
with an average response time of 6 hours.
Discussion The project has demonstrated to be satisfactory, with fast response in relation to
the demands of subspecialists, promoting care, and management support to the NICU.
The qualification via Web conferences prevents the displacement of the professionals
to big centers for continuous medical education.
Conclusion The telemonitoring of NICU can contribute in the process of management, regulation
of beds, reduction of displacements and transferences, adhesion to best practices,
care support, and qualification of the involved professionals.
Keywords
telemedicine - intensive care units - neonatal - teleconsultation - medical education
