Coordenação das redes de atenção à saúde no município de Santa Rosa, estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Abstract

Introduction: The elaboration of Health Care Networks has been regarded as the prime strategy to integrate health services, providing the means to overcoming care gaps, rationalizing and optimizing available resources. Primary Health Care is considered the main coordinator of this care model, being the communication center of health services. Objective: To assess the Primary Health Care capacity to coordinate Health Care Networks in the city of Santa Rosa, State of Rio Grande do Sul. Methods: This is an across-sectional study, carried out in Primary Care Health Units in the city of Santa Rosa. The study sample consisted of 105 health workers, selected through convenience sampling. The data collecting tool applied was the Assessment of the Coordination of Integrated Health Service Delivery Networks by Primary Health Care Instrument (COPAS), from January to March, 2022. Results: The global score of Primary Health Care development to coordinate Health Care Networks was classified as “In Good Condition” in all the assessed dimensions, disclosing a structured Health Network where Primary Health Care performs coordination activities. For the dimensions “Population” and “Primary Health Care”, it was found that the Health Unities know their user, understand the value of developing a bond with them, and act in a multidisciplinary way. The “Support Systems” dimension identified the presence of pharmacies under its management, but the lack of Pharmacist professionals, with clinical and therapeutic management skills. For the “Logistic Systems” dimension, it was verified that the information system of the municipal Health Network includes the Health, Mental Health and Health Surveillance Units, but does not include the other health services in the Network. And, in the “Governance Systems” dimension, it was identified that professionals use all Primary Care resources before referring to other levels of care; also the presence of outsourced professionals; and dissatisfaction with lack of investments in the services. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that the evaluation carried out by the Primary Health Care workers classifies it as “In Good Condition”. The “Governance Systems” dimension had the lowest score among the dimensions, which reinforces the need for actions to consolidate the Unified Health System in relation to management, financing and the integration of all actors working in the health system.