Weaknesses and Potentialities of Health Information Systems for Epidemiological Surveillance: Integrative Review

Abstract

Objective: To identify the potentialities and weaknesses of health information systems used in epidemiological surveillance services. Method: Integrative review with searches in eight databases and grey literature sources, conducted in July 2026, with no language restriction and covering both national and international scope, including publications from 2010 onward. The search strategy was validated by a librarian and by the PRESS tool. Selection and extraction were carried out by two independent reviewers. A qualitative analysis was performed based on Bardin's Thematic Analysis, in three stages (pre-analysis, material exploration, and treatment of results), from which two categories emerged: potentialities and weaknesses of the systems. Results: A total of 1,403 documents were screened and 43 studies were included. The health information systems evaluated showed relevant potentialities, such as the availability of accurate, real-time data, reduced bureaucracy, and the production of epidemiological reports. The main weaknesses identified were lack of interoperability, data limitation and incompatibility, and delays in outbreak detection. Conclusion: Identifying the potentialities and weaknesses of health information systems used in epidemiological surveillance services shows that investment is needed in infrastructure, digital security, systems integration, and professional training, together with a joint effort by different actors in society, including government, health professionals, researchers, and information technology companies.