Challenges in the usability of the e-SUS Território application in Brazil’s Digital Health StrategyABSTRACT
The usability of health information systems is highly relevant, especially in Primary Health Care (PHC), a scenario of increasing digitalization and technological integration. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the usability of the e-SUS Território application implemented by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. A sequential explanatory mixed-method approach was used. The System Usability Scale (SUS) was applied in the quantitative phase. An exploratory descriptive study based on the Technology Acceptance Model was conducted in the qualitative phase. The participants were Community Health Workers (CHWs). The SUS score was calculated using Stata statistical software. Qualitative data were organized using Open Logos software, and Thematic-Categorical Analysis was performed. The average SUS score was 55.3 points, indicating marginal acceptance of the application. The results also highlight the application’s usefulness and ease of use. However, synchronization failures with the citizens’ Electronic Health Record (EHR) system were identified as issues, leading to errors in household and individual records, duplication of citizens, and loss of recorded visits. The usability of e-SUS Território was below the expected average, indicating acceptance issues. It is emphasized that usability can be improved through managerial efforts to enhance CHWs’ training, particularly in addressing the needs of users who consider the application to have unacceptable usability.
KEYWORDS
eHealth policies, Electronic health records; Electronic health records; Community Health Workers; Primary Health Care; Digital health.
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Source: Own elaboration.1 - I thought I would like to use the e-SUS Território frequently; 2 - I found the e-SUS Território was more complex than necessary; 3 - I thought the e-SUS Território was easy to use; 4 - I thought I would need help from a technician to be able to use it; 5 - I thought the various functionalities of the e-SUS Território were well integrated; 6 - I thought the e-SUS Território had a lot of inconsistencies; 7 - I suppose most people would learn how to use it; 8 - I considered the e-SUS Território very complicated to use; 9 - I felt confident using the e-SUS Território; 10 - I had to learn a lot before I could get to grips with the e-SUS Território.