Computerization of primary health care in Brazil: the network of actors

Rev Bras Enferm. 2019 Mar-Apr;72(2):337-344. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2018-0381. Epub 2019 Apr 18.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the network of human and non-human actors involved in the computerization of primary health care in the Brazilian federal government.

Method: A qualitative study that used as a theoretical reference the actor-network theory and as a methodological reference the cartography of controversies. Data analysis was carried out using Gephi software, and through the extraction of reports, informed by the actor-network theory.

Results: We found a network of 288 connections among 33 actors, composed mainly of nonhuman influencers of computerization. These actors are distributed throughout 3 inter-related communities, and manage the network by defining obligations, penalties, conflicts and intentionalities, thus influencing the success of the intended computerization.

Final considerations: The network of actors at the federal level generates situations that, in many cases, hamper the successful implementation of a nationwide computerization strategy.

MeSH terms

  • Brazil
  • Computer Communication Networks / organization & administration
  • Computer Communication Networks / trends
  • Computer Simulation
  • Government Programs / methods
  • Government Programs / standards*
  • Humans
  • Nursing Informatics / trends
  • Primary Health Care / methods
  • Primary Health Care / standards
  • Qualitative Research