Health Information Systems, relevance and realities in the face of the SARS-COV-2 virus pandemic

Abstract

Health Information Systems (HIS) become a transforming agent in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic scenario. The interpretation of the processed health information is useful for the diagnosis, planning, evaluation, comparison, and monitoring of the health situation. It is relevant to substantiate in this commentary the importance and realities of Health Information Systems during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. It is a reality that Health Information Systems allow for the integration and application of knowledge to process information and keep health decision-makers in a given territory scientifically updated, enabling them to make decisions based on the available information. They make health equity a reality by eliminating all differences and reducing those that are avoidable and unjust in access to health services; by placing the patient, family, and community at the center of the analysis, they guide a better management of patient pathways throughout the health system to ensure sustainability. The importance and realities of Health Information Systems in the face of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic support the execution of integrative protocols for action against the virus. They are also useful in designing effective and efficient health intervention actions to achieve control of the virus in the individual, the family, and the community, with a public health and inclusive approach.