Computerization of primary health care in Brazil: the network of actors

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the network of human and non-human actors involved in the computerization of primary health care in the Brazilian federal government. Method: A qualitative study that used as a theoretical reference the actor-network theory and as a methodological reference the cartography of controversies. Data analysis was carried out using Gephi software, and through the extraction of reports, informed by the actor-network theory. Results: We found a network of 288 connections among 33 actors, composed mainly of nonhuman influencers of computerization. These actors are distributed throughout 3 inter-related communities, and manage the network by defining obligations, penalties, conflicts and intentionalities, thus influencing the success of the intended computerization. Final considerations: The network of actors at the federal level generates situations that, in many cases, hamper the successful implementation of a nationwide computerization strategy.