Feasibility of telemedicine use in older adults: caregivers’ perspective

Authors

Abstract

Telemedicine has become an important strategy to expand access to healthcare for older adults.
This qualitative study analyzed caregivers’ perceptions of the use of telemedicine in the care of older
adults with complex needs. The research was conducted with caregivers of patients with multimorbidity,
frailty, and functional dependence assisted by a Geriatrics and Gerontology Service. The interviews,
conducted via videoconference, followed a semi-structured script validated by experts. Data were
analyzed using thematic analysis. Caregivers consider telemedicine an effective, safe, and accessible
strategy, especially given older adults’ mobility limitations. Information security was considered
satisfactory. It is concluded that telemedicine is perceived as a viable and complementary alternative
to in-person care.

Keywords:

Telemedicine. Aged. Caregivers. Palliative care.

Author Biographies

Roni Chaim Mukamal, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal. Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória/ES, Brasil.

Roni Chaim Mukamal – Mestre – ronimukamal@yahoo.com.br
0000-0002-5860-0741

Viviane Gontijo Augusto , Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte/MG, Brasil.

Viviane Gontijo Augusto – Doutora – vivianeaugusto2013@gmail.com
0000-0001-8906-0875

Laiane Moraes Dias , Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém/PA, Brasil.

Laiane Moraes Dias – Doutora – laianemdias@gmail.com
0000-0002-6714-1970

Thiago Dias Sarti , Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória/ES, Brasil.

Thiago Dias Sarti – Doutor – tdsarti@gmail.com
0000-0002-1545-6276

Elisa Reisen Vasconcelos, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória/ES, Brasil.

Elisa Reisen Vasconcelos – Especialista – elisa_reisen@hotmail.com
0009-0002-1481-7479

Guilhermina Rego , Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.

Guilhermina Rego – Doutora – guilherminarego@med.up.pt
0000-0002-8590-9832

Vol. 34 (2026): Continuous publication

Published:

2026-07-16

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-803420264036PT

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How to Cite

1.
Mukamal RC, Gontijo Augusto V, Moraes Dias L, Dias Sarti T, Reisen Vasconcelos E, Rego G. Feasibility of telemedicine use in older adults: caregivers’ perspective. Rev. Bioét. [Internet]. 2026 Jul. 16 [cited 2026 Jul. 17];34. Available from: https://revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/4036

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