UNA-SUS/UFMA Launches Free Specialization in Digital Health for SUS Professionals

New Digital Health Specialization Program Opens Doors for Public Health Professionals

A groundbreaking specialization program in digital health is now welcoming applications, designed to equip professionals with the crucial skills needed to navigate the transforming healthcare landscape. The initiative, spearheaded by the Open University of SUS (UNA-SUS)/UFMA in collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Secretariat of Details and Digital Health, aims to bolster the Unified Health System (SUS) with skilled experts.

Addressing the growing Need for Digital Health Expertise

The advent of telemedicine, advanced data analytics, and innovative health technologies are fundamentally reshaping how healthcare is delivered. This has created an urgent need for professionals skilled in leveraging these tools to improve access, quality, and efficiency within the public health system. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization, digital health solutions have the potential to strengthen health systems, especially in underserved areas.

Program Details and Eligibility

The 18-month program will be delivered entirely online, offering asynchronous learning combined with live, synchronous sessions. The curriculum encompasses 540 hours of instruction, structured across three core areas of study. A total of 1,000 places are available to qualified candidates. Eligibility extends to graduates working within the SUS, including managers, healthcare providers, and Information Technology professionals.Furthermore, individuals with degrees in related fields, even if not directly employed by SUS, are encouraged to apply.

Equitable Access Through Reserved Quotas

recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion, the program is committed to providing opportunities to underrepresented groups. Dedicated quotas have been allocated for applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, Quilombola, individuals with disabilities, transgender individuals, and those from low-income backgrounds. The allocation of places will be guided by the Index of Digital Health Criteria (ICSD), taking into account regional health disparities across the country.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted exclusively through the UFMA Selective System from september 18th, 2025, to October 2nd, 2025. Interested candidates must complete an online application form and submit the following documents in PDF format:

Document	Description
Photo Identification	Valid RG,CNH,or Professional Council ID.
CPF	Brazilian individual taxpayer registry identification number.
Diploma Copy	Front and back of higher education completion certificate.
Foreign Diploma	Requires official revalidation by a Brazilian Ministry of Education-recognized institution.
proof of Employment	Documentation verifying current employment within the public health sector.

Did You Know? The global digital health market is projected to reach $660 billion by 2025, highlighting the immense growth and potential within this sector.

Course Structure and Completion

the specialization program’s curriculum is designed to provide a complete understanding of digital health principles and practices. Learners will engage in asynchronous coursework and participate in live meetings. Accomplished completion of the program requires the development and defense of a comprehensive Course Conclusion Paper (TCC) within the program’s Virtual Learning Environment (AVA).

Pro Tip: Prepare your documentation well in advance of the application deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.

The Future of Digital Health

Digital health is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s the present and the future of healthcare. The integration of technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and wearable sensors is driving breakthroughs in disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient monitoring. As healthcare systems worldwide strive to become more efficient,accessible,and personalized,the demand for skilled digital health professionals will only continue to grow.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Digital Health Specialization

Are you prepared to take the next step in your healthcare career? what role do you see digital health playing in the future of healthcare delivery?

Share this article with your network and join the conversation in the comments below!

How might this specialization course address the existing digital literacy gaps among SUS professionals?

Empowering Brazil’s Healthcare Workforce: A Deep Dive

The Universidade Aberta do SUS (UNA-SUS) and the Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA) have jointly announced a significant initiative: a free specialization course in Digital Health specifically designed for professionals working within the Sistema Único de saúde (SUS) – Brazil’s unified health system. This program represents a crucial step towards modernizing healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes across the nation. This specialization in Saúde Digital is a game-changer for accessibility to advanced training.

Course Overview: Curriculum and Focus Areas

This postgraduate specialization aims to equip SUS professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage digital technologies effectively in their respective fields. The curriculum is structured around key areas of telemedicina, informática em saúde, and gestão em saúde digital.

Here’s a breakdown of core modules:

* Fundamentals of Digital Health: Covering core concepts, ethical considerations, and the regulatory landscape of digital health in Brazil.

* Telehealth Applications: Exploring the practical implementation of telehealth solutions, including remote patient monitoring, virtual consultations, and telediagnosis. Focus will be on platforms compatible with SUS infrastructure.

* Health Informatics & Data Analytics: Focusing on electronic health records (EHRs), data mining techniques, and the use of data analytics to improve healthcare quality and efficiency. Prontuário Eletrônico do Paciente (PEP) integration will be a key component.

* Mobile Health (mHealth): Examining the role of mobile devices and applications in promoting health and wellness, managing chronic diseases, and delivering healthcare services in remote areas.

* Digital Health Governance & Security: Addressing the critical aspects of data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance in the digital health surroundings. understanding LGPD (lei Geral de Proteção de Dados) is paramount.

* Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Introduction to AI applications in diagnostics, treatment planning, and predictive analytics.

Eligibility and Application Process

The specialization is open to professionals currently employed by the SUS, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, psychologists, social workers, and administrators. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field.

The application process is entirely online and involves submitting:

1. A completed application form.
2. A copy of your bachelor’s degree certificate.
3. Proof of current employment within the SUS.
4. A brief statement of motivation outlining your interest in digital health.

Detailed application instructions and deadlines are available on the UNA-SUS website (https://unasus.unifesp.br/). The selection process will prioritize candidates demonstrating a strong commitment to improving healthcare access and quality within the SUS.

Benefits of Specialization in Digital Health

Investing in digital health expertise offers numerous benefits for both individual professionals and the SUS as a whole:

* Enhanced patient Care: Digital tools enable more personalized, proactive, and accessible healthcare services.

* Improved Efficiency: Streamlined workflows and automated processes reduce administrative burdens and optimize resource allocation.

* Reduced Healthcare Costs: Telehealth and remote monitoring can lower the cost of care by reducing hospital readmissions and unneeded visits.

* Increased Access to Care: Digital health solutions can overcome geographical barriers and expand access to healthcare services in underserved communities.Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) will be substantially impacted.

* Data-Driven Decision making: Access to real-time data and analytics empowers healthcare professionals to make more informed decisions.

* Career Advancement: Specialization in digital health opens up new career opportunities and enhances professional progress.

The Role of Digital Identity in Secure Healthcare

As highlighted by IBM (https://www.ibm.com/mx-es/think/topics/digital-identity), a robust identidade digital is crucial for securing digital health systems. The SUS must prioritize the implementation of secure authentication and authorization mechanisms to protect patient data and ensure the integrity of telehealth services. this includes leveraging technologies like digital signatures and biometric authentication. Protecting dados do paciente is non-negotiable.

Practical tips for SUS Professionals Entering digital Health

* Embrace Lifelong Learning: The field of digital health is constantly evolving, so continuous learning is essential.

* Develop Data Literacy Skills: Become proficient in data analysis and interpretation.

* Network with Peers: Connect with other professionals working in digital health to share knowledge and best practices.

* Advocate for Digital Health Adoption: Promote the use of digital technologies within your workplace and advocate for policies that support digital health innovation.

* Prioritize Patient Privacy and Security: always adhere to ethical guidelines and regulatory requirements regarding data privacy and security.

Real-World Examples of Digital Health Impact in Brazil

Several initiatives demonstrate the potential of digital health to transform healthcare in Brazil:

* TeleSUS: A national telehealth network providing