Incorporation of the Electronic Health Record in primary health care: advances and difficulties in applying information technology

The Electronic Health Record (EHR) transforms workflow organization and its application reveals conflicts related to routine changes that are deeply rooted in professional practice. This research is conducted to understand the role of information technology (IT) of EHR applied to the National Health Card System (NHCS), in order to describe and analyze possibly associated difficulties and advances in professional activities at primary health care settings (PHC) and their strengths. Moreover, workflow and process, organization and environment for the incorporation of EHR into NHCS was characterized.
The method consisted of EHR assessment of NHCS, in situations with and without EHR in primary health care, in two cities of Northeast Brazil: Aracaju, a pilot case of NHCS implementation and João Pessoa, a “control” area without NHCS. The research technique inclu ded interviews of health professionals at PHC services using structured questionnaire to define criteria and attributes assessment model of EHR in NHCS.
The study outcome can elucidate the amount and quality of difficulties and advances of EHR that comprise success and failure scenarios of information technology instituted in primary health care practices. An IT incorporation model will be drawn from the expected results that can support planning and decision on this matter.