Survey objectives

Conducted since 2013, the survey investigates the infrastructure and availability of ICT-based applications in healthcare facilities in Brazil. It also observes how physicians and nurses use these tools in their work, in addition to the main barriers to their adoption.

Areas of investigation

The ICT in Health survey seeks to analyze the stage of ICT adoption in Brazilian healthcare facilities, developing indicators related to healthcare facilities and professionals. The survey investigates information in relation to ICT use, access and appropriation, such as:

In healthcare facilities:

• ICT infrastructure and IT management;
• Electronic health records and information exchange;
• Services offered to patients and telehealth.

For health professionals (physicians and nurses):

• Profile of the professionals;
• ICT access and use;
• Appropriation of these technologies.

Institutional support

The survey receives support from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, the National Regulatory Agency for Private Health Insurance and Plans (ANS), other government representatives, civil society and experts connected to important universities in the country.

International references

The study adheres to frameworks published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Methodology

The study examines information adopted by the National Registry of Health Facilities (CNES). The sample design is based on a stratified sampling of healthcare facilities and selection with probability proportional to size (PPS). The strata considered for selection are designed for presentation of quality results for the domains of interest of the survey.