Impacts of telemedicine on the follow-up of pregnant women living in indigenous communities

Abstract

Access to health services by Indigenous pregnant women in Brazil is still marked by historical, cultural, and structural inequalities, hindering the effectiveness of prenatal care. Barriers such as geographic isolation, shortage of healthcare professionals, and the difficulty of integrating traditional knowledge with the biomedical model compromise healthcare delivery. In this context, telemedicine emerges as a promising alternative to expand access, ensure continuity of care, and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, provided it is implemented with respect for cultural diversity and community participation. This study conducted na integrative literature review to analyze the impacts of telemedicine on the follow-up of Indigenous pregnant women. Tem articles published between 2018 and 2024 were selected from the SciELO, LILACS, MEDLINE, and BDENF databases. The results show that telemedicine contributes to remote clinical monitoring, support for local professionals, and culturally adapted educational actions, promoting greater adherence to prenatal care and reducing unnecessary travel. Na improvement was also observed in the coordination between levels of care and in the preparation of referral services to receive Indigenous pregnant women. However, challenges persist, such as poor connectivity, lack of equipment, limitations in professional training, and cultural resistance to the use of technology. It is concluded that, when integrated with primary care and traditional knowledge, telemedicine can strengthen equity in maternal healthcare for Indigenous populations.