Short Communication: Technological Challenges in Brazilian Healthcare Regulation: Lessons from SUSfácilMG and CORE Saúde MG
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Background Digital systems are central to regulating access to care in Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS), but fragmented data can hinder coordination. Objective This study examines the database structure of SUSfácilMG and identifies modernization priorities, using CORE Saúde MG as a comparative reference. Methods We assessed metadata from 1,586 SUSfácilMG tables, focusing on naming patterns, relationships, and repeated attributes. We then compared architectural features described for CORE Saúde MG. Results Approximately 40% of the assessed tables repeated descriptive attributes, including patient identifiers, suggesting substantial duplication. Metadata alone cannot establish operational failures, security incidents, or effects on care. Conclusion A phased review of data models, interfaces, and governance is warranted. Standardized exchange, referential integrity, and controlled access should be evaluated alongside service continuity and data quality. Author summary Brazil’s public health system relies on digital platforms to organize access to specialized care. In Minas Gerais, SUSfácilMG has supported this process for many years, accumulating adaptations that are reflected in the database structure. We examined the metadata of 1,586 SUSfácilMG tables, focusing on naming patterns, apparent relationships, and recurring descriptive attributes. Approxim 40% of the tables contained recurring patient-related attributes, indicating struc complexity that may complicate data maintenance and system integration. Comparison with published descriptions of CORE Saúde MG highlighted opportunities for phased modernization based on shared data structures, interoperability, and governance. Because the analysis was limited to metadata, findings identified structural opportunities rather than evidence of data inconsist security incidents, or effects on patient care.
Source: medRxiv
Authors: Lemyson Oliveira Lemos, Letícia A. N. de Sousa, Gleyson José P. Caldeira Silva, Andréa Santos Pinheiro, Janaína Valentim, Tiago de Oliveira Barreto, Felipe Fernandes, Ingridy Barbalho, Nícolas Vinícius Rodrigues Veras, Laura Guerra Pinheiro Reis, João Paulo Q. Santos, Karilany Coutinho, Danilo A. P. Nagem, Jorge Henriques, César Teixeira, Paulo José Carrilho de Sousa Gil, Guilherme Medeiros Machado, Ricardo Valentim
Language: English
Subfield: Health Information Management
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7220892650