This study presents a systematic literature review on the subject "user embracement" in health in Brazilian journals. The databases analyzed were Bireme, PubMed, MedLine, SciELO, and Science Direct. The term "user embracement" was selected from the Health Sciences Descriptors and used as single descriptor. This resulted in 40 publications between 1999 and 2011, which were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results indicated that the two journals with more publications on the subject were Cadernos de Saúde Pública and Ciência & Saúde Coletiva (25 and 22,5%); seven papers were published in both 2004 and 2010 and six in 2011; the predominant areas were Public Health (57,6%) and Nursing (39,4%). The qualitative analysis of the "study object" variable identified the existence of articles investigating the views of users, professionals and both. Regarding the "professional' perceptions" variable, the majority of the articles highlighted positive aspects of user embracement. Further studies that qualify the knowledge about this form of service to the population, both in primary care services and specialized services, are necessary.
User embracement; Public health; Humanization of assistance; Unified Health System
