Digital health in Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS): Advances and challenges for the consolidation of digital transformation
1
Federal University of Maranhão - UFMA, São Luís, Brazil
2
Faculty of Dentistry, University of São Paulo – USP, São Paulo, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A894
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Digital health is an interdisciplinary field that uses digital technologies to improve healthcare delivery, management, and health promotion (1). In Brazil’s Unified Health System, its expansion has driven relevant advances in primary care and specialized services through initiatives such as e-SUS Atenção Básica, the Citizen’s Electronic Health Record, telehealth, and the SUS Digital Program (2-4). This study aimed to conduct a narrative review of advances and challenges related to digital health within the SUS.
METHODS:
A qualitative narrative review was conducted using Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus, and SciELO databases. Search terms related to telemedicine, digital health, and the SUS were applied. Studies addressing the impacts or implementation of digital health initiatives within the SUS were included, while opinion papers and studies outside this context were excluded. In total, 54 studies were selected.
RESULTS:
Findings were categorized into advances and challenges. Major advances include consolidation of the Electronic Health Record, improving information security, productivity, and data sharing between regions. Telehealth and telemedicine have become essential by supporting continuing professional education, expanding access to services, and promoting equity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Health Data Network and digital appointment scheduling improved care integration, while e-SUS AB and e-SUS APS optimized Primary Health Care processes. Key challenges include unstable internet connectivity, system failures, and limited infrastructure. Human-related barriers were also identified, such as low digital literacy, professional insecurity, work overload, and resistance to change. Users face additional obstacles, including limited access to devices and internet connectivity.
CONCLUSIONS:
Digital health represents a strategic approach to modernizing the SUS by increasing efficiency and equity. Addressing existing challenges requires strong public policies, sustained investment in infrastructure and workforce training, and coordinated engagement among managers, health professionals, and users. This alignment is essential for sustainable digital transformation nationwide within Brazil.
Digital health is an interdisciplinary field that uses digital technologies to improve healthcare delivery, management, and health promotion (1). In Brazil’s Unified Health System, its expansion has driven relevant advances in primary care and specialized services through initiatives such as e-SUS Atenção Básica, the Citizen’s Electronic Health Record, telehealth, and the SUS Digital Program (2-4). This study aimed to conduct a narrative review of advances and challenges related to digital health within the SUS.
METHODS:
A qualitative narrative review was conducted using Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus, and SciELO databases. Search terms related to telemedicine, digital health, and the SUS were applied. Studies addressing the impacts or implementation of digital health initiatives within the SUS were included, while opinion papers and studies outside this context were excluded. In total, 54 studies were selected.
RESULTS:
Findings were categorized into advances and challenges. Major advances include consolidation of the Electronic Health Record, improving information security, productivity, and data sharing between regions. Telehealth and telemedicine have become essential by supporting continuing professional education, expanding access to services, and promoting equity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Health Data Network and digital appointment scheduling improved care integration, while e-SUS AB and e-SUS APS optimized Primary Health Care processes. Key challenges include unstable internet connectivity, system failures, and limited infrastructure. Human-related barriers were also identified, such as low digital literacy, professional insecurity, work overload, and resistance to change. Users face additional obstacles, including limited access to devices and internet connectivity.
CONCLUSIONS:
Digital health represents a strategic approach to modernizing the SUS by increasing efficiency and equity. Addressing existing challenges requires strong public policies, sustained investment in infrastructure and workforce training, and coordinated engagement among managers, health professionals, and users. This alignment is essential for sustainable digital transformation nationwide within Brazil.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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