Telemedicine and functional assessments: from theory to practice
Vol. 48 No. s1 (2026): Telemedicine and functional assessments: from theory to practice
https://doi.org/10.4081/gimle.770

From emergency to innovation: a strategic roadmap for a comprehensive telehealth platform

G. Zuccotti,1,2 A. Foppiani,1,3 C. Montanari,1,2 M. Frontini,4 V. Calcaterra2,5  | 1University of Milan; 2Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan; 3IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan; 4Link Up s.r.l., Milan; 5University of Pavia, Italy

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Published: 28 January 2026
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Telemedicine, platform, telehealth, children, pediatrics

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The COVID-19 pandemic has decisively accelerated the adoption of telemedicine (TM), transforming it from an innovative option into a structural necessity for healthcare systems. The experience of the Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital shows how TM promotes equitable access to care, continuity between hospital and community services, and economic sustainability, with a particularly strong impact in pediatrics. From the emergency COD19 models, an evolutionary pathway emerged leading to a structured telemedicine platform (COD20) and a dedicated Telemedicine Center (CMT). The model integrates remote clinical care and monitoring services, including telecardiology, telenutrition, teleneurology, home-based palliative care, and advanced TM using wearable devices, tele-ultrasound, and artificial intelligence-supported tools. The results confirm effectiveness, safety, high satisfaction, and reduced hospital stays, highlighting the CMT as a key component of digital healthcare.

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From emergency to innovation: a strategic roadmap for a comprehensive telehealth platform: G. Zuccotti,1,2 A. Foppiani,1,3 C. Montanari,1,2 M. Frontini,4 V. Calcaterra2,5  | 1University of Milan; 2Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan; 3IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan; 4Link Up s.r.l., Milan; 5University of Pavia, Italy. G Ital Med Lav Ergon [Internet]. 2026 Jan. 28 [cited 2026 Apr. 19];48(s1). Available from: https://medicine.pagepress.net/gimle/article/view/770
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