Digital Solutions for Health Services and Systems Management: Narrative Review of Certified Software Features in the Brazilian Market

Introduction

Digital technologies are crucial components in enhancing the efficacy and quality of health services and systems management [1]. The global health care sector faces mounting pressures from escalating service demands, demographic transitions, and economic constraints, necessitating the integration of digital solutions [2]. This imperative is driven by the need to optimize resource allocation, improve patient outcomes, and streamline operations within an increasingly complex and demanding environment [3]. Health managers, responsible for the continuous operation of intricate systems, require robust and reliable information to make informed decisions that enhance system performance and patient care [4].

The adoption of commercial digital solutions is essential for improving operational efficiencies and patient care [5]. However, a significant gap exists between their potential as described in scientific literature and their performance in real-world settings [6], with off-the-shelf solutions, for instance. This disparity necessitates a review of commercial digital solutions in health care, focusing on their practical application in actual health care environments [7]. This study’s objective is to review commercially available solutions in health care management, with a specific focus on their features and functionalities.

Methods

Overview

To understand off-the-shelf digital solutions and their functionalities, this study included identification, screening, extraction, and qualitative synthesis phases. Given the variability in features and configurations across different off-the-shelf solutions, we aimed to establish a standardized baseline by focusing on solutions certified by recognized organizations. In Brazil, the Brazilian Society of Health Informatics (Sociedade Brasileira de Informática em Saúde; SBIS) provides such certifications, created in partnership with the Federal Council of Medicine. The certification process evaluates and attests to the quality, security, and privacy aspects of electronic health record (EHR) systems, ensuring compliance with various standards, norms, and best practices. The certification categories include clinic or outpatient services EHR, individual practice EHR, inpatient services EHR, emergency care services EHR, information security solutions, and telehealth or teleconsultation solutions.

From the list of certified systems updated in August 2024, we selected software platforms that held certification in “clinic or outpatient services EHR” and at least 2 additional categories. This criterion was used to identify multimodule solutions or platforms capable of supporting a broader health care system. Ultimately, 7 software platforms were selected from a pool of 20 certified systems. To extract and synthesize their characteristics, we analyzed the SBIS certificates associated with each system, focusing on the specified functionalities and capabilities. Our analysis was guided by the functional requirements theory of software engineering. Subsequently, we visited each system’s official website to gather descriptions, demonstrations, and technical documentation related to functionalities. We manually reviewed all subpages of each website, including user manuals in PDF format, to extract both textual and visual information available for the Brazilian market in Portuguese. The extracted data were consolidated narratively for each system and then clustered into categories and descriptions.

Ethical Considerations

This study did not involve human subjects or sensitive data and therefore did not require ethics board review or approval.

Results

The narrative synthesis included 7 systems—SMED, Soul MV, Philips Tasy, SPDATA, Feegow, TI.Clinic, and PEP Unimed—from the SBIS list [8]. Table 1 summarizes the functionalities. Not all systems have all the comparable features. Also, the features listed are aimed at professional managers and not necessarily at clinical practitioners.

Discussion

The summary reveals a trend toward integrated systems that address operational, financial, and clinical needs simultaneously. Key features, including interoperability, compliance management, and data-driven decision support, are essential in Brazil’s fragmented health care landscape. Interoperability enables seamless information exchange, crucial for coordinated care, while compliance management ensures adherence to regulatory standards, reducing risks for health care institutions. Data-driven decision support tools allow health care managers to leverage predictive analytics for resource optimization and improved patient outcomes. These features collectively reflect a shift toward holistic, unified platforms capable of meeting modern health care demands. Compared to global standards [9], Brazilian certified systems offer competitive features with room for further innovation, particularly in addressing regulatory issues, costs, and infrastructure limitations that challenge widespread adoption.

As health care institutions navigate an increasingly complex environment, the development of adaptable and secure digital management solutions will be essential [10]. Establishing national interoperability standards could create a more cohesive health care ecosystem. Additionally, investments in infrastructure, standardization, and workforce training—particularly in underserved regions—would broaden digital access across Brazil’s health care system. Addressing these areas will be critical to advancing scalable and impactful digital solutions. Future advancements will rely on integrated systems capable of predictive analytics to improve decision-making, uncover trends, and drive informed strategies systemically.