THE USE OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN HEALTH AND THEIR ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND POLICIES

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the use of health information systems and their ethical challenges in management and public health policies, considering their implications for decision-making, transparency, and data protection. It is an integrative literature review, conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and BVS databases, as well as normative documents, using descriptors related to health information systems, ethics, health management, and public policies, combined with Boolean operators. Studies published between 2016 and 2026, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, that directly addressed the proposed theme were included. The analysis highlighted that information systems contribute to epidemiological monitoring, action planning, and policy evaluation, favoring greater efficiency in management. However, relevant ethical challenges were identified, such as weaknesses in information security, inappropriate use of sensitive data, inequalities in access to technologies, and limitations in interoperability between systems. It is concluded that, although essential for strengthening the health system, information systems require more robust regulations, professional training, and strategies that guarantee the ethical, safe, and equitable use of health information.