Incorporation of information technology in Primary Care of SUS in North-eastern Brazil: expectations and experiences

Abstract

The incorporation of information technology (IT) via an electronic record of health data in primary care is transforming the organization of labor and professional practices in Brazil. The scope of this study is to establish the expectations and experiences of incorporating IT in the primary health care of the Unified Health System (SUS) with the implementation of the National Health Card System (SCNS). It involved qualitative research with 50 interviews and 96 questionnaires comparing the opinion of health professionals about technological innovation in locations with the SCNS and where it has not yet been incorporated in the cities of João Pessoa and Aracaju, respectively. The expectation was that IT would speed up the work schedule, which was not confirmed at the location where the SCNS had been incorporated. IT can improve labor organization, the flow of data and information and enable the digital insertion of the professional. The “light” technology of health care cannot be expedited by IT, as it is necessary to impart knowledge to the professionals. However, it can improve working conditions by data gathering and organization, giving immediate feedback to the professional recording the data and enhance the ability to manage health policies.

Information technology in health; Incorporation of IT in health; SCNS card; Labor process in health