Scientific and technological information in health: conceptual reflections

The concept & quot;Information in Health & quot; possesses a generic character and circumscribes not only the notion of information related to the health services, but also the scientific and technical information in health, which have different natures and properties.
The main objective of this work is to point out some issues that makes us reflect on the concept and the characteristics of the information categorized as scientific and technological in health.
Although innumerable institutions in the country, among which we can stand out FIOCRUZ and BIREME, have the production and the dissemination of the scientific and technological information in health as their final purpose, it is possible to prove, through literature revision, that the theoretical quarrel on this field is practically inexistent.
This evidence stresses the need of an inquiry on the specificities that define this field of study, originated in the intersection between broaden areas of knowledge such as Information, Science and Technology and the area of the Heal th. This is, therefore, a specialized field of study, that requires, among other aspects, a production of knowledge that reflects its foundations, its political proceedings, its mechanisms of production and dissemination, as well as the abilities and proper specialization of the professionals who work in this area.
Finally, this study it aims to contribute to the understanding that the scientific and technological information in health is a strategic resource, that should be managed in order to promote its use and application in favour of those who are in need of it.