Digital Health in Primary Health Care: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives from an Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Digital Health has emerged as a central strategy for strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC), with the potential to expand access, improve quality of care, and support health systems management. This study presents an integrative literature review on the advances, challenges, and perspectives related to the use of digital technologies in PHC. SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, and BVS databases were consulted, including studies published between 2019 and 2024. The analysis resulted in five thematic categories: expanded access and resolvability; quality of care and decision support; implementation barriers; digital inequalities and algorithmic justice; and successful experiences. The findings indicate that, despite significant progress, structural and ethical challenges remain for the consolidation of Digital Health in PHC. It is concluded that the digital transformation of this level of care must be guided by the principles of Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS), focusing on equity, transparency, and people-centered care.