Development of a telemedicine network for early oral cancer diagnosis: the Argentine Patagonia experience—a perspective through a pilot study

Geographic areas like Argentine Patagonia face significant barriers in the fight against oral cancer due to great distances, extreme weather conditions, and a shortage of specialists. These factors contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment, adversely affecting patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe a pilot project to establish the telemedicine network of Chubut (Argentine Patagonia) for the early diagnosis of oral cancer. This perspective study also aimed to describe the advantages and disadvantages of using this tool in remote areas with limited access to healthcare services. Healthcare professionals, including nurses, dentists, doctors, and healthcare workers, were trained in the early diagnosis of oral cancer and high-risk oral lesions by five specialists in Oral Medicine, who traveled throughout Argentine Patagonia. Additionally, training was provided on the use of smartphones to obtain clinical images and data for remote consultations via telemedicine with a specialized center. Over 2,000 km were traveled, and more than 100 healthcare professionals were trained in six towns and localities in Patagonia, Argentina, encountering various limitations for the use of telemedicine in remote areas, such as connectivity issues. The first telemedicine network of Patagonia for the diagnosis of oral cancer was created and is now operational, receiving teleconsultations and referrals from the professionals trained during the journey. This study highlighted that telemedicine is an important tool to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to medical care, especially in remote areas. It promotes agility and speed in referrals and optimizes the available resources of the health system. Future studies should analyze the impact of telemedicine in decreasing the delay of oral cancer diagnosis in Southern Argentina.