SUSFÁCIL in Minas Gerais: Organization of Access, Health Care Regulation, and Challenges within the Brazilian Unified Health System

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Health regulation is one of the main instruments for organizing access to services within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), especially in relation to medium- and high-complexity care. In the state of Minas Gerais, the SUSFÁCIL system stands out as a computerized tool responsible for managing hospital beds, specialized consultations, and procedures, acting as a mediator between the growing demand and the limited supply of services. This study aimed to analyze, through a literature review, the conceptual, historical, organizational, and operational aspects of SUSFÁCIL, as well as its relevance and the main challenges associated with its use. This is a qualitative narrative review based on searches conducted in scientific databases and official documents, including publications from the Ministry of Health, the State Health Department of Minas Gerais, and the National Council of Health Secretaries. The inclusion criteria comprised studies published in the last five years, in addition to classical references relevant to the topic. The results indicate that SUSFÁCIL plays a central role in organizing care flows, contributing to the rational use of resources and promoting equity in access to health services. The system uses clinical and administrative variables to prioritize care based on risk classification, and regulatory professionals are responsible for decision-making processes. However, challenges remain, including high demand for specialized services, limited resources, long waiting times, and issues related to information transparency. It is concluded that SUSFÁCIL represents an important management strategy within the SUS, being essential for the organization of healthcare networks, while also requiring continuous improvements to ensure greater efficiency, equity, and quality in access to services.