e-SUS APS strategy: Case of success on Primary Care informatization in Brazil

Abstract

Objectives: To present the main actions of the Brazilian government that led to the successful implementation of the strategy for the computerization of Primary Care, e-SUS APS, throughout the whole country, as well as the difficulties in implementing such a national health information system (NHIS). Methods: Report on the experience of implementing an NHIS in Brazilian Primary Care, identifying the actions taken by the government to mitigate the risks and overcome difficulties. Results: The e-SUS Primary Care strategy (e-SUS APS) initiated the restructuring of the health information system at the national level. This action focused on the effective management of information, considered essential to increase the quality of care. This strategy aims to create different realities of technological infrastructure and allow all cities to interconnect with an NHIS across the country. Since e-SUS AB was implemented, more than 3 billion records of Primary Health Care (PHC) from all regions of the country have been received by the government. Today, even cities with weak technological infrastructure are able to transmit their data to NHIS, which manages all information. Conclusion: The implementation of the new strategy for primary care at almost 100% of Brazilian municipalities has been a success due to a number of factors. However, efforts must be maintained to ensure the success of its implementation.