CHALLENGES OF DIGITAL HEALTH IN THE UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM: DIGITAL LITERACY AND DATA PROTECTION

Abstract

This article aims to synthesize scientific evidence on the challenges related to digital literacy and data protection in the digital transformation of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). This systematic literature review has a descriptive design and a mixed-methods approach, following PRISMA guidelines, with methodological assessment based on a checklist adapted from the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). Searches were conducted between August and September 2026 in the BVS, SciELO, and PubMed/MEDLINE databases, covering studies published between 2018 and 2026. Nineteen studies were included. The findings revealed challenges related to infrastructure, management, digital literacy, system usability, and information security, as well as limitations in connectivity and training, differences in users’ experiences with technology, and weaknesses in data protection. Continuing education emerged as a relevant strategy for developing digital competencies. It is concluded that the digital transformation of the SUS requires coordinated efforts involving infrastructure, management, professional training, system quality, and information security, while considering the needs of healthcare services and their users.