USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN PATIENT CARE

AN EXPLORATORY CASE STUDY IN A BASIC HEALTH UNIT IN SOUTHERN ESPÍRITO SANTO

Abstract

The growing digitalization of care, management, and administrative processes has increased the ability of healthcare organizations to collect, store, process, and share information more quickly, safely, and efficiently. The study aims to examine the use of information and communication technologies in the processes of record-keeping, communication, and support for care in a healthcare unit located in the south of Espírito Santo. This is an exploratory-descriptive case study with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire answered by two professionals and 16 hours of direct observation conducted over two days. The results indicated the coexistence of specific technological resources, such as computer equipment, connectivity, and radiology systems, with predominantly manual records and communication flows. The participants pointed out the need to implement electronic patient records and systems focused on management of medications, inventory, reports, and internal communication. It is concluded that the unit shows partial and fragmented adoption of ICT. Given the low participation, the results represent individual perceptions and case-specific characteristics, not allowing for generalizations.