The Telehealth Brazil Networks: a socially-engaged technological system

ntroduction: The reflection on the “socially mediated” character of technological devices is a classic theme of Science and Technology Studies (STS). Obejctive: Evaluate the socially engaged character of the Telehealth Brasil Redes project implemented in Brazil. Method: A favorable opportunity to reconcile the STS perspective with a broader view in the scope of research on the forms of territorial displacement of health care processes is the case of Telehealth Brazil Networks. Results: Its characteristics narrow the relationship between the network design and Unifed Health System (UHS) purposes, offering useful elements to a theoretical-conceptual reading of the implanted service structure. In contrast to the telemedicine standard, the service of Telehealth Networks Brazil advances beyond the classic scheme of “social mediation” of technological artifacts, aiming to expand access to health care services guaranteed public health system, a factor that democratizes and reduces inequalities among system users. Conclusion: In addition, by proposing a connection between the different health professionals, Telehealth Networks operates beyond the “local medical ecology”, valuing the importance of social relations between the family health teams and the communities served.