Uso da informação em saúde como ferramenta para planejamento das ações e tomada de decisão: perspectiva dos profissionais da atenção primária à saúde

Abstract

Introduction: The importance of health information is increasing, especially in the area of public health. Health information should be considered as a tool to know the socioeconomic, demographic and epidemiological reality, and carry out the planning, management, organization and evaluation of services at the different levels that make up the Unified Health System (SUS -Sistema Único de Saúde, portuguese). Health Information Systems are used for the organization and processing of the data collected in health, whose main purpose is to feed health indicators, which makes it possible to know the reality of the population and the possible changes that can occur in it. Objective: to investigate how professionals who work in Primary Health Care (PHC) manage and use health information as a tool for planning actions and decision making. Method: this is a qualitative research, which used Focus Group (GF-Grupo Focal, portuguese) and individual interviews for data collection. Focus group and individual interviews with professionals who hold care and management positions in PHC. The discourses produced were submitted to Thematic Content Analysis. Results: the results indicate the non-use of Information Systems as a tool for planning actions and decision making. They also point out that the professionals are unaware of the systems available in the national and state databases and their functionalities, and the advisable use of health information. They refer to the lack of qualification of professionals for the use of health information. Conclusion: despite the different information systems available, they contribute little to the planning of actions and the consequent decision-making. Two proposals seek to answer the main problems identified, the first being the application of the guidelines pointed out in the research and the monitoring during a certain period of time of the activities carried out. The second, a manual that aims to guide the professional practice of PHC managers and professionals regarding the use of health information. The manual offers theoretical content that should support the work process of managers and teams and seeks to systematize concepts, procedures, work instructions and provide guidance. It presents the main health information systems linked to Primary Health Care, considering those of national and state scope, as well as their characteristics and functionalities and technical guidelines for the operation of the systems.