Barriers and facilitators to influenza vaccination observed by officers of national immunization programs in South America countries with contrasting coverage rates.

Influenza is a severe, vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccination programs across Latin American countries show contrasting coverage rates, from 29% in Paraguay to 89% in Brazil. This study explores how national influenza vaccination programs in the chosen South American countries address vaccine confidence and convenience, as well as complacency toward the disease. Barriers and facilitators to influenza vaccination programs in their relation to vaccine hesitancy were observed by documentary analysis and interviews with 38 national immunization program officers in high- (Brazil and Chile) and low-performing (Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay) countries. Influenza vaccination policies, financing, purchasing, coordination, and accessibility are considered good or acceptable. National communication strategies focus on vaccine availability during campaigns. In Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, anti-vaccine propaganda was mentioned as a problem. Programming and implementation face human resource shortages across most countries. Statistical information, health information systems, and nominal risk-group records are available, with limitations in Peru and Paraguay. Health promotion, supervision, monitoring, and evaluation are perceived as opportunities to address confidence and complacency. Influenza vaccination programs identify and act on most barriers and facilitators affecting influenza vaccine hesitancy via supply-side strategies which mostly address vaccine convenience. Confidence and complacency are insufficiently addressed, except for Uruguay. Programs have the opportunity to develop integral supply and demand-side approaches.

Representaciones sociales sobre el Programa Mais Médicos entre consejeros municipales de salud de Brasil / Social representations on Mais Médicos Program among municipal health councelors of Brazil

Introducción: La atención primaria de salud en Brasil se considera una prioridad. En el año 2013 se creó el Programa Mais Médicos, de formación en servicio y de ampliación de la cantidad de médicos en el país. La cooperación cubana, gestionada por la Organización Panamericana de la Salud fue quien envió la mayor cantidad de profesionales. Objetivo: Analizar las representaciones sociales de los consejeros de salud sobre el Programa Mais Médicos, en municipios en los que prestaron atención a su población médicos provenientes de Cuba. Métodos: Estudio de caso descriptivo de corte transversal abordado con metodología cualitativa. La muestra fue intencional. Se trabajó con 58 entrevistas semiestructuradas y el análisis fue realizado mediante el software gratuito Iramuteq con la técnica de análisis lexical. Resultados: Se pudo distinguir cuatro grupos de representaciones, sobre el funcionamiento de los consejos municipales de salud, sobre las representaciones del Programa Mais Médicos, sobre las redes de atención y sobre los médicos brasileños y cubanos. El estudio aporta evidencias de la aplicación de un nuevo modelo de atención para los consejeros que objetivaron y anclaron en el concepto de nacionalidad. El modelo cubano incorpora características de humanismo, atributos que no estaban contenidos en las representaciones sobre los médicos locales. Conclusiones: Las representaciones sociales sobre el Programa Mais Médicos aluden a una acción que mejora la calidad de los servicios, no obstante, la literatura sobre atención básica aún deja ver algunos problemas de acceso y tránsito por la red del sistema único de salud(AU)

Introduction: Primary health care in Brazil is considered a priority. In 2013, Mais Médicos Program was created, providing in-service training and expanding the number of doctors in the country. Cuban cooperation, managed by the Pan American Health Organization, sent the largest number of professionals. Objective: Analyze the social representations of health counselors on Mais Médicos Program, in municipalities in which doctors from Cuba cared to their population. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional case study approached with qualitative methodology. The sample was intentional. It was conducted a work with 58 semi-structured interviews and the analysis was carried out using the free software Iramuteq with the lexical analysis technique. Results: Four groups of representations could be distinguished: on the functioning of the municipal health councils, on the representations of Mais Médicos Program, on the care networks and on Brazilian and Cuban doctors. The study brings evidence of the application of a new model of care for counselors who objectified and anchored in the concept of nationality. The Cuban model incorporates characteristics of humanism, attributes that were not contained in the representations about local doctors. Conclusions: The social representations on Mais Médicos Program allude to an action that improves the quality of services, however, the literature on basic care still shows some problems of access and transit through the network of the health system(AU)

Barriers and facilitators to influenza vaccination observed by officers of national immunization programs in South America countries with contrasting coverage rates / Barreras y facilitadores de la vacuna contra la gripe observados por funcionarios de los programas nacionales de inmunización en países de Suramérica con niveles de cobertura contrastantes / Barreiras e facilitadores da vacinação contra influenza observados por funcionários dos programas nacionais de imunização em países Sul-Americanos com diferentes níveis de cobertura

Influenza is a severe, vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccination programs across Latin American countries show contrasting coverage rates, from 29% in Paraguay to 89% in Brazil. This study explores how national influenza vaccination programs in the chosen South American countries address vaccine confidence and convenience, as well as complacency toward the disease. Barriers and facilitators to influenza vaccination programs in their relation to vaccine hesitancy were observed by documentary analysis and interviews with 38 national immunization program officers in high- (Brazil and Chile) and low-performing (Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay) countries. Influenza vaccination policies, financing, purchasing, coordination, and accessibility are considered good or acceptable. National communication strategies focus on vaccine availability during campaigns. In Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, anti-vaccine propaganda was mentioned as a problem. Programming and implementation face human resource shortages across most countries. Statistical information, health information systems, and nominal risk-group records are available, with limitations in Peru and Paraguay. Health promotion, supervision, monitoring, and evaluation are perceived as opportunities to address confidence and complacency. Influenza vaccination programs identify and act on most barriers and facilitators affecting influenza vaccine hesitancy via supply-side strategies which mostly address vaccine convenience. Confidence and complacency are insufficiently addressed, except for Uruguay. Programs have the opportunity to develop integral supply and demand-side approaches.

La gripe es una enfermedad grave, prevenible mediante vacunas con sus correspondientes programas en países latinoamericanos, informando sobre tasas contrastadas de cobertura, desde el 29% en Paraguay al 89% en Brasil. Este artículo investiga cómo los programas nacionales contra la gripe en países seleccionados de Suramérica abordan la confianza en la vacuna y su conveniencia, así como también la complacencia hacia la enfermedad. Las barreras y facilitadores del programa de vacunación de la gripe, en su relación con la vacilación hacia la vacuna, se observaron mediante análisis documental y entrevistas a 38 a cargo de los programas nacionales de inmunización en países con alto (Brasil y Chile) y bajo desempeño (Paraguay, Perú y Uruguay). Políticas de vacunación contra la gripe, financiamiento, compras coordinación y accesibilidad fueron consideradas como buenas o aceptables. Las estrategias nacionales de comunicación se centran en la disponibilidad de la vacuna durante las campañas. En Chile, Paraguay y Uruguay la propaganda antivacunas fue mencionada como un problema. La planificación e implementación enfrentan escasez de recursos humanos en la mayoría de países a través de la mayoría de países. Los sistemas de información en salud, estadísticas y registros nominales por grupos de riesgo se encuentran disponibles con limitaciones en Perú y Paraguay. La promoción de la salud, supervisión, monitoreo y evaluación son percibidos como oportunidades para abordar la confianza y complacencia. Los programas de vacunación contra la gripe actúan principalmente sobre las barreras y facilitadores que afectan la vacilación a vacunarse mediante estrategias del lado de la demanda, las cuales en su mayor parte van dirigidas a contrarestar la conveniencia. La confianza y complacencia son insuficientemente abordadas en todos los países, excepto en Uruguay. Los programas tienen la oportunidad de desarrollar estrategias que aborden tanto el lado de la oferta como de la demanda.

A influenza é uma doença grave, imunoprevenível, para a qual os programas de vacinação nos países latino-americanos apresentam taxas de cobertura contrastantes, desde 29% no Paraguai até 89% no Brasil. O artigo explora de que maneira os programas nacionais de influenza em países selecionados da América do Sul lidam com a confiança e a conveniência da vacina, assim como, a acomodação em relação à doença. As barreiras e facilitadores dos programas de vacinação contra influenza foram observados em relação à hesitação vacinal, através de análise documental e entrevistas com 38 autoridades de programas nacionais de imunização em países com desempenho alto (Brasil e Chile) e baixo (Paraguai, Peru e Uruguai). As políticas de vacinação contra influenza, financiamento da compra de vacinas, coordenação e acessibilidade são consideradas boas ou aceitáveis. As estratégias nacionais de comunicação estão concentradas na disponibilidade durante campanhas. No Chile, Paraguai e Uruguay, a propaganda antivacina foi mencionada enquanto problema. A programação e a implementação enfrentam escassez de recursos humanos na maioria dos países. Dados estatísticos, sistemas de informação em saúde e registros nominais de grupos de risco estão disponíveis, com limitações no Peru e no Paraguai. A promoção da saúde, supervisão, monitoramento e avaliação foram percebidas como oportunidades para tratar da confiança e da acomodação. Os programas de vacinação contra influenza identificam e agem sobre a maioria das barreiras e facilitadores que afetam a hesitação vacinal através de estratégias do lado da oferta, tratando principalmente da conveniência da vacina. A confiança e a acomodação não são tratadas de maneira suficiente, com exceção notável do Uruguai. Os programas têm a oportunidade de desenvolver abordagens que integram os lados da oferta e da procura.

Influenza vaccination hesitancy in large urban centers in South America. Qualitative analysis of confidence, complacency and convenience across risk groups.

Influenza vaccination coverage in countries of Latin America is low among priority risk groups, ranging from 5 to 75% among older people. This paper aims to describe and analyze the determinants of influenza vaccination hesitancy through the lens of the 3C model of confidence, complacency and convenience among middle-class, urban risk group populations in Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, countries in South America with contrasting vaccination coverage. Focus groups were conducted among four risk groups: pregnant women, mothers of children aged <6 years, adults with risk factors, and adults aged ≥60 years in samples of urban residents. Adults with risk factors expressed the most detailed perceptions about confidence in the vaccine. A wide range of perceptions regarding complacency were expressed across risk groups and countries, with pregnant women and mothers showing greater concerns while convenience had a narrower and generally more positive range of perceptions. Participants from Chile and Paraguay expressed the most contrasts regarding confidence and complacency. Information and communication strategies need to be tailored for risk groups while confidence and complacency should be addressed in synergy.

COVID-19 y vulnerabilidad social Análisis descriptivo de una serie de casos del gran Bueno Aires / COVID-19 and social vulnerability: descriptive study about a case series in Gran Buenos Aires

INTRODUCCIÓN: La morbimortalidad por la enfermedad por el nuevo coronavirus (COVID-19) constituye un problema de salud pública en la Provincia de Buenos Aires y en el resto de Argentina. Las poblaciones con vulnerabilidad social están expuestas a riesgos de manera potenciada. OBJETIVO: Describir la evolución de los casos confirmados de COVID-19 en el Gran Buenos Aires, localizados en zonas con diferentes características sociales categorizadas por vulnerabilidad socioterritorial, desde el inicio de la pandemia hasta el 15 de julio de 2020. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Las variables analizadas fueron sexo, edad, evolución de la enfermedad y domicilio categorizado por medio del índice de vulnerabilidad socioterritorial (IVST). RESULTADOS: La mayor cantidad de casos positivos para COVID-19 se encontró en el grupo etario de 20 a 59 años, y el 48% fueron mujeres. El 47% de los casos estudiados residían en zonas vulnerables. El 28% de los casos confirmados requirieron internación. Se internaron en unidades de cuidados intensivos el 3,8% del total de los casos confirmados. Los casos de residentes en zonas no vulnerables tuvieron mayor requerimiento de cuidados intensivos. La letalidad fue de 3,5%, mayor en los varones, y más elevada en residentes de zonas no vulnerables, con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa respecto a los pertenecientes a zonas vulnerables. En la distribución por grupos etarios, se observó un exceso de letalidad estadísticamente significativo en menores de 60 años. DISCUSIÓN: Se observó un número mayor de internaciones en UCI y en la letalidad del grupo de población residente en territorio no vulnerable.

Influenza vaccination hesitancy in five countries of South America. Confidence, complacency and convenience as determinants of immunization rates.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza morbidity and mortality are significant in the countries of South America, yet influenza vaccination is as low as 56.7% among pregnant women, reaching 76.7% of adults with chronic diseases. This article measures the relative values for the vaccination hesitancy indicators of confidence, complacency and convenience by risk-groups in urban areas of five countries of South America with contrasting vaccination rates, analyzing their association with sociodemographic variables and self-reported immunization status. METHODS: An exit survey was applied to 640 individuals per country in Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay, distributed equally across risk groups of older adults, adults with risk factors, children ≤6 and pregnant women. Indicators were constructed for vaccine confidence, complacency and convenience. Analysis of variance and multiple logistic analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: Adults with risk factors are somewhat more confident of the influenza vaccine yet also more complacent. Convenience is higher for mothers of minors. Children and older adults report higher levels of vaccination. The 3Cs are more different across countries than across risk groups, with values for Chile higher for confidence and those for Uruguay the lowest. Complacency is lower in Brazil and higher in Uruguay. Results suggest that confidence and complacency affect vaccination rates across risk groups and countries. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccine confidence, complacency and convenience have to be bolstered to improve effective coverage across all risk groups in the urban areas of the countries studied. The role played by country contextual and national vaccination programs has to be further researched in relation to effective coverage of influenza vaccine.

Saúde e empoderamento das mulheres: estudo de caso do Programa Mais Médicos em municípios com presença de médicos cubanos / Women's health and empowerment: a case study of the More Doctors Program in municipalities with Cuban physicians / Salud y empoderamiento de las mujeres: estudio de caso del programa Mais Médicos en municipios con presencia de médicos cubanos

Objetivo. Descrever as representações de ser mulher das usuárias do Programa Mais Médicos (PMM), com perspectiva de gênero e raça, e as mudanças que o PMM trouxe quanto ao empoderamento e cuidado da saúde. Métodos. Trata-se de um estudo de caso descritivo, de corte transversal. O trabalho de campo foi realizado mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas, aplicação de uma técnica evocativa de associação de palavras e grupos focais em municípios com médicos cubanos, com amostras de tipo nominal para escolha dos municípios e de tipo intencional para a escolha de participantes. O tamanho das amostras foi definido em campo com base na técnica da saturação teórica. Os dados foram analisados por meio de análise de conteúdo e análise prototípica. Resultados. A cobertura da atenção básica foi fortalecida com os aportes do programa, segundo os quatro gestores entrevistados. As mulheres (103 na técnica evocativa e 120 nos grupos focais) relataram mudanças no modelo de atendimento, que se tornou mais humanizado, com impacto sobre sua percepção sobre os serviços de saúde, sobre a consulta médica, sobre os médicos e sobre a imagem de si mesmas e, em menor medida, sobre as práticas de cuidado da saúde. Conclusões. O PMM trouxe ganhos no empoderamento individual das mulheres, com reflexos potencialmente positivos para os comportamentos em saúde.(AU)

Objective. To describe the representations of being a woman by users of the More Doctors Program (Programa Mais Médicos, PMM) in Brazil, exploring the perspectives of gender and race, and the changes produced by PMM in terms of empowerment and health care. Methods. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The field work was performed using semi-structured interviews, with application of an evocative word technique and focal groups in municipalities with Cuban physicians, with nominal selection of municipalities and intentional selection of participants. The size of the sample was defined in the field based on saturation. The data were analyzed by content and prototypical analyses. Results. Primary health care coverage was strengthened by the PMM, according to the four municipal health secretaries interviewed. Participants (103 in the evocative technique and 120 from focal groups) reported changes in the model of care, which became more humanized, with impact on their perception of health care services, medical consultations, and physicians, on the image they had of themselves and, to a lesser extent, on their health care practices. Conclusions. PMM produced individual empowerment gains for study participants, with potentially positive impacts on health care behaviors.(AU)

Objetivo. Describir las representaciones de la condición de ser mujer hechas por las usuarias del programa Mais Médicos, con una perspectiva de género y raza, y los cambios producidos por este programa en materia de empoderamiento y cuidado de la salud. Métodos. Se trata de un estudio de caso descriptivo y transversal. El trabajo de campo se realizó mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas, con aplicación de una técnica evocadora de asociación de palabras y grupos focales en municipios con presencia de médicos cubanos, con muestras de tipo nominal para la selección de los municipios y de tipo intencional para la selección de las participantes. El tamaño de las muestras se definió sobre el terreno con base en la técnica de la saturación teórica. Los datos se sometieron a análisis prototípico y de contenido. Resultados. Los aportes del programa fortalecieron la cobertura de la atención básica, según lo expresado por los cuatro gestores entrevistados. Las mujeres (103 de las entrevistadas con la técnica evocadora y 120 de los grupos focales) relataron cambios en los modelos de atención que hicieron que la atención se torne más humanizada y que incidieron en su percepción de los servicios de salud, las consultas médicas, los médicos, la imagen de sí mismas y, en menor grado, las prácticas de cuidado de la salud. Conclusiones. El programa Mais Médicos implicó adelantos en materia de empoderamiento individual de las mujeres, con repercusiones potencialmente favorables en los patrones de comportamiento relacionados con la salud.(AU)

Avaliação do Programa Mais Médicos: relato de experiência / Evaluation of the More Doctors Program: experience report

RESUMO O acesso à saúde de forma universal e equitativa está preconizado na Constituição Federal de 1988, devendo ser garantida pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Dentre os diversos fatores que contribuem para a não efetivação dos princípios do SUS, destacam-se a insuficiência de profissionais e as disparidades regionais na distribuição de recursos humanos, principalmente médicos. Este artigo relata a experiência de avaliação do Programa Mais Médicos (PMM) por uma equipe multidisciplinar composta por 28 pesquisadores, a partir de trabalho de campo em 32 municípios com 20% ou mais da população em extrema pobreza selecionados em todas as regiões do Brasil (áreas remotas, distantes das capitais e comunidades quilombolas rurais), além de análises sobre os 5.570 municípios brasileiros baseadas em bancos de dados do Ministério da Saúde. A pesquisa resultou em vasta produção científica, apontando importantes resultados, como ampliação do acesso à saúde e redução de internações evitáveis. As reflexões aqui trazidas permitem concluir que o PMM contribuiu para a efetivação e consolidação dos princípios e diretrizes do SUS e garantiu acesso à saúde, especialmente para as populações mais pobres, municípios pequenos e regiões remotas e longínquas.

ABSTRACT The universal and equitable access to health is established in the Brazilian Federal Constitution of 1988 and must be guaranteed by the Brazilian Unified Health System - the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). The lack of professionals and the large regional differences in the distribution of human resources, mainly physicians, are factors that contribute to the non-fulfillment of the SUS principles. This article reports the experience of evaluation of the More Doctors Program (PMM) by a multidisciplinary team composed of 28 researchers, based on field work in 32 municipalities with 20% or more of the population in extreme poverty selected in all regions of Brazil (remote areas, far from capitals, and rural maroon communities), as well as analyzes of the 5,570 Brazilian municipalities based on the Ministry of Health databases. The research resulted in a vast scientific production, pointing out important results, such as broadening of access to health and reducing of avoidable hospitalizations. The reflections brought here show that the PMM contributed to the implementation and consolidation of the SUS principles and guidelines, and guaranteed access to health, especially for the poorest populations, small municipalities and remote and distant regions.

Implementation research: towards universal health coverage with more doctors in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the implementation of a programme to provide primary care physicians for remote and deprived populations in Brazil. METHODS: The Mais Médicos (More Doctors) programme was launched in July 2013 with public calls to recruit physicians for priority areas. Other strategies were to increase primary care infrastructure investments and to provide more places at medical schools. We conducted a quasi-experimental, before-and-after evaluation of the implementation of the programme in 1708 municipalities with populations living in extreme poverty and in remote border areas. We compared physician density, primary care coverage and avoidable hospitalizations in municipalities enrolled (n = 1450) and not enrolled (n = 258) in the programme. Data extracted from health information systems and Ministry of Health publications were analysed. FINDINGS: By September 2015, 4917 physicians had been added to the 16 524 physicians already in place in municipalities with remote and deprived populations. The number of municipalities with ≥ 1.0 physician per 1000 inhabitants doubled from 163 in 2013 to 348 in 2015. Primary care coverage in enrolled municipalities (based on 3000 inhabitants per primary care team) increased from 77.9% in 2012 to 86.3% in 2015. Avoidable hospitalizations in enrolled municipalities decreased from 44.9% in 2012 to 41.2% in 2015, but remained unchanged in control municipalities. We also documented higher infrastructure investments in enrolled municipalities and an increase in the number of medical school places over the study period. CONCLUSION: Other countries having shortages of physicians could benefit from the lessons of Brazil's programme towards achieving universal right to health.

Implementation research: towards universal health coverage with more doctors in Brazil

Objective: To evaluate the implementation of a programme to provide primary care physicians for remote and deprived populations in Brazil. Methods: The Mais Médicos (More Doctors) programme was launched in July 2013 with public calls to recruit physicians for priority areas. Other strategies were to increase primary care infrastructure investments and to provide more places at medical schools. We conducted a quasi-experimental, before-and-after evaluation of the implementation of the programme in 1708 municipalities with populations living in extreme poverty and in remote border areas. We compared physician density, primary care coverage and avoidable hospitalizations in municipalities enrolled (n = 1450) and not enrolled (n = 258) in the programme. Data extracted from health information systems and Ministry of Health publications were analysed. Findings: By September 2015, 4917 physicians had been added to the 16 524 physicians already in place in municipalities with remote and deprived populations. The number of municipalities with ≥ 1.0 physician per 1000 inhabitants doubled from 163 in 2013 to 348 in 2015. Primary care coverage in enrolled municipalities (based on 3000 inhabitants per primary care team) increased from 77.9% in 2012 to 86.3% in 2015. Avoidable hospitalizations in enrolled municipalities decreased from 44.9% in 2012 to 41.2% in 2015, but remained unchanged in control municipalities. We also documented higher infrastructure investments in enrolled municipalities and an increase in the number of medical school places over the study period. Conclusion: Other countries having shortages of physicians could benefit from the lessons of Brazil’s programme towards achieving universal right to health.

[Humanism in the practice of Cuban cooperating physicians in Brazil: narratives of basic health care teamsHumanismo na prática dos médicos colaboradores cubanos no Brasil: narrativas das equipes de atenção básica]. / Humanismo en la práctica de médicos cooperantes cubanos en Brasil: narrativas de equipos de atención básica.

OBJECTIVE: To present the narratives of Brazilian members of family health teams with regard to the humanism perceived in the practice of Cuban physician cooperating in the Mais Médicos program. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive case study. A semi-structured interview was applied to Brazilian members of family health teams who had worked from the beginning of the program with Cuban physicians in selected municipalities included in the Mais Médicos program (20% or more of the population in extreme poverty and less than five physicians or a rate of 0.5 physicians per 1, 000 population prior to the program). The data were processed using the content analysis technique. RESULTS: Interviews were held with 30 senior nurses, 28 nursing assistants, one administrative technician, and 19 health agents. The interviewees offered a positive assessment of the work of the Cuban cooperating physicians, emphasizing their responsibility, ethics, and humanism, as well as the high quality of their medical -consultations and their good relations with their peers in basic health care teams. CONCLUSIONS: There were confirmed differences between the patterns of care of the Cuban cooperating physicians in the Mais Médicos program and the physicians who were working before in the studied communities prior to implementation of that program. The differential features of the Cuban physicians most frequently mentioned include their commitment to the population (both in medical consultations and in solving people's problems), their empathy, their respect, and in general, the human values with which they treat patients.

OBJETIVO: Apresentar as narrativas dos integrantes brasileiros das equipes de saúde da família sobre o humanismo percebido na prática dos colaboradores cubanos do Programa Mais Médicos. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo de caso descritivo transversal. Foi realizada uma entrevista semiestruturada com os integrantes brasileiros das equipes de saúde da família que trabalhavam desde o início do programa com médicos cubanos em municípios selecionados cadastrados no Programa Mais Médicos. Estas localidades têm 20% ou mais da população vivendo em situação de extrema pobreza, contando com menos de cinco médicos (taxa de 0,5 médico por 1.000 habitantes) antes do programa. Os dados foram analisados com o uso da técnica de análise de conteúdo. RESULTADOS: Foram entrevistados 30 enfermeiros diplomados, 28 técnicos em enfermagem, 1 técnico administrativo e 19 agentes comunitários de saúde. Os participantes avaliaram de forma positiva o trabalho dos médicos colaboradores cubanos destacando características como responsabilidade, postura ética e humanismo bem como a alta qualidade das consultas médicas e o bom relacionamento com os pares da atenção básica. CONCLUSÕES: Foram constatadas diferenças no padrão de atenção dos médicos colaboradores cubanos do Programa Mais Médicos em relação aos médicos brasileiros que atuavam nas comunidades estudadas antes da implantação do programa. Entre as características distintivas dos médicos cubanos destacadas estão o compromisso com os pacientes, tanto na consulta médica quanto na solução de problemas, a empatia, o respeito e o humanismo em geral com que eles tratam os pacientes.

O Projeto Mais Médicos para o Brasil: desafios e contribuições à Atenção Básica na visão dos médicos cooperados / The More Doctors for Brazil Project - challenges and contributions to Primary Care in the vision of the cooperated physicians / El Proyecto Más Médicos para Brasil ­ Desafíos y contribuciones para la Atención Básica en la visión de los médicos cooperados

O Projeto Mais Médicos para o Brasil (PMMB) foi criado em 2013 visando prover médicos para áreas de difícil fixação de profissionais e oferecer treinamento em Saúde da Família para médicos brasileiros e estrangeiros. Neste artigo, são analisados aspectos relacionados às motivações, ao processo e condições de trabalho na Atenção Básica, à situação de saúde nos municípios, ao funcionamento do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e à relação com os gestores, a partir de entrevistas com 44 médicos cubanos, trabalhando em 32 municípios de todas as regiões do Brasil. As falas mostram que os cooperados têm um agudo senso de observação e conseguem fazer um detalhado diagnóstico situacional de suas áreas de atuação, demonstrando a precariedade ainda prevalente na Atenção Básica nos municípios. Porém, eles também evidenciam que, com a adequada formação, é possível fazer atenção primária de qualidade, mesmo diante de grandes adversidades.(AU)

The More Doctors in Brazil Project (MDBP) was created in 2013 in order to supply physicians for areas where it is difficult to retain professionals and to provide training in family and community medicine for Brazilian and foreign physicians. This paper examines aspects related to motivations and work processes and conditions in primary health care; the health situation in cities, operation of the of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS), and the relationship with managers. This study is based on interviews with 44 Cuban physicians who are working in 32 cities in all regions of the country. The results showed that the affiliated physicians have an acute sense of observation and are able to make a detailed situational analysis of the areas where they work. The findings also indicated that primary care is still precarious in these cities. However, they also demonstrated that with adequate training it is possible to provide quality primary care, even in the midst of major challenges.(AU)

El Proyecto Más Médicos para Brasil (PMMB) fue creado en 2013 con el objetivo de proporcionar médicos para áreas en donde es difícil la fijación de profesionales y ofrecer capacitación en Salud de la Familia para médicos brasileños y extranjeros. En este artículo se analizan aspectos relacionados a las motivaciones, al proceso y condiciones de trabajo en la Atención Básica, a la situación de salud en los municipios, al funcionamiento del Sistema Brasileño de Salud (SUS) y a la relación con los gestores a partir de entrevistas con 44 médicos cubanos que trabajan en 32 municipios de todas las regiones del país. Los diálogos muestran que los cooperados tienen un aguzado sentido de observación y consiguen hacer un diagnóstico detallado de la situación de las áreas en las que actúan, mostrando la precariedad todavía prevalente en la Atención Básica en los municipios. No obstante, ellos también dejan claro que, con una formación adecuada, es posible proporcionar atención primaria de calidad, incluso enfrentando grandes adversidades.(AU)

Humanismo en la práctica de médicos cooperantes cubanos en Brasil: narrativas de equipos de atención básica / Humanism in the practice of Cuban cooperating physicians in Brazil: narratives of basic health care teams / Humanismo na prática dos médicos colaboradores cubanos no Brasil: narrativas das equipes de atenção básica

Objetivo. Mostrar las narrativas de miembros brasileños de los equipos de salud de la familia acerca del humanismo percibido en la práctica de los cooperantes cubanos del programa Mais Médicos. Métodos. Estudio de caso descriptivo de corte transversal. Se aplicó una entrevista semiestructurada a miembros brasileños de los equipos de salud de la familia que trabajaran desde el inicio del programa con médicos cubanos en municipios seleccionados inscritos en el programa Mais Médicos, con 20% o más de su población en extrema pobreza, y menos de cinco médicos o una tasa de 0,5 médicos por 1 000 habitantes antes del programa. Se procesaron los datos mediante la técnica de análisis de contenido. Resultados. Se entrevistaron 30 licenciados y 28 técnicos en enfermería, 1 técnico administrativo y 19 agentes sanitarios. Los entrevistados valoraron positivamente el trabajo de los médicos cooperantes cubanos y resaltaron su responsabilidad, ética y humanismo, así como la elevada calidad de las consultas médicas y sus buenas relaciones con los pares de la atención básica. Conclusiones. Se constataron diferencias en los patrones de atención de los médicos cooperantes cubanos del programa Mais Médicos con respecto a los médicos que ejercieron en las comunidades estudiadas antes de la implantación de ese programa. Entre los rasgos diferenciales de los médicos cubanos resaltados más frecuentemente figuran el compromiso con la población ­tanto en la consulta médica como en la solución de sus problemas, la empatía, el respeto y, en general, el humanismo con el que tratan a los pacientes.(AU)

Objective. To present the narratives of Brazilian members of family health teams with regard to the humanism perceived in the practice of Cuban physician cooperating in the Mais Médicos program. Methods. Cross-sectional descriptive case study. A semi-structured interview was applied to Brazilian members of family health teams who had worked from the beginning of the program with Cuban physicians in selected municipalities included in the Mais Médicos program (20% or more of the population in extreme poverty and less than five physicians or a rate of 0.5 physicians per 1, 000 population prior to the program). The data were processed using the content analysis technique. Results. Interviews were held with 30 senior nurses, 28 nursing assistants, one administrative technician, and 19 health agents. The interviewees offered a positive assessment of the work of the Cuban cooperating physicians, emphasizing theirresponsibility, ethics, and humanism, as well as the high quality of their medical consultations and their good relations with their peers in basic health care teams. Conclusions. There were confirmed differences between the patterns of care of the Cuban cooperating physicians in the Mais Médicos program and the physicians who were working before in the studied communities prior to implementation of that program. The differential features of the Cuban physicians most frequently mentioned include their commitment to the population (both in medical consultations and in solving people's problems), their empathy, their respect, and in general, the human values with which they treat patients.(AU)

Objetivo. Apresentar as narrativas dos integrantes brasileiros das equipes de saúde da família sobre o humanismo percebido na prática dos colaboradores cubanos do Programa Mais Médicos. Métodos. Trata-se de um estudo de caso descritivo transversal. Foi realizada uma entrevista semiestruturada com os integrantes brasileiros das equipes de saúde da família que trabalhavam desde o início do programa com médicos cubanos em municípios selecionados cadastrados no Programa Mais Médicos. Estas localidades têm 20% ou mais da população vivendo em situação de extrema pobreza, contando com menos de cinco médicos (taxa de 0,5 médico por 1.000 habitantes) antes do programa. Os dados foram analisados com o uso da técnica de análise de conteúdo. Resultados. Foram entrevistados 30 enfermeiros diplomados, 28 técnicos em enfermagem, 1 técnico administrativo e 19 agentes comunitários de saúde. Os participantes avaliaram de forma positiva o trabalho dos médicos colaboradores cubanos destacando características como responsabilidade, postura ética e humanismo bem como a alta qualidade das consultas médicas e o bom relacionamento com os pares da atenção básica. Conclusões. Foram constatadas diferenças no padrão de atenção dos médicos colaboradores cubanos do Programa Mais Médicos em relação aos médicos brasileiros que atuavam nas comunidades estudadas antes da implantação do programa. Entre as características distintivas dos médicos cubanos destacadas estão o compromisso com os pacientes, tanto na consulta médica quanto na solução de problemas, a empatia, o respeito e o humanismo em geral com que eles tratam os pacientes.(AU)

Percepções de gestores municipais de Saúde sobre o provimento e a atuação dos médicos do Programa Mais Médicos / Perceptions of city health managers about the provision and activity of physicians from the More Doctors Program / Percepciones de gestores municipales de Salud sobre la provisión y actuación de lós médicos del Programa Más Médicos

No Brasil, o desafio da redistribuição de médicos foi alvo de diversas intervenções governamentais. Objetivou-se analisar o provimento de médicos do Programa Mais Médicos, segundo as percepções de gestores municipais de Saúde. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo realizado com 63 gestores em 32 municípios do Brasil. As entrevistas foram submetidas à análise de conteúdo com a ajuda do software ATLAS.ti. Destacam-se as contribuições dos médicos do programa na melhoria da Atenção à Saúde, nas práticas clínicas humanizadas e diferenciadas e nas mudanças na rede de Atenção à Saúde, após a implementação do programa. Os gestores reafirmam a importância da implementação, no que concerne ao provimento e à fixação de médicos na Atenção Básica, em municípios vulneráveis e de difícil acesso.

In Brazil, the challenge of redistributing physicians has been the subject of several government interventions. The objective of this paper was to analyze the provision of physicians through the More Doctors Program, according to city health managers. This was a qualitative study carried out with 63 managers in 32 Brazilian cities. The interviews were submitted to content analysis using Atlas.it software. It is noteworthy to highlight the contributions of the program physicians to improvements in health care, humanized and differentiated clinical practices, and changes to health care networks after implementation of the program. The managers reiterated the importance of the program in providing and securing physicians in primary health care in vulnerable and hard-to-access cities.

En Brasil, el desafío de la redistribución de médicos fue objeto de diversas intervenciones gubernamentales. El objetivo fue analizar la provisión de médicos del Programa Más Médicos, según las percepciones de gestores municipales de Salud. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo realizado con 63 gestores en 32 municipios de Brasil. Las entrevistas se sometieron a análisis de contenido con la ayuda del software Atlas.ti. Se subrayan las contribuciones de los médicos del programa en la mejora de la atención a la salud, en las prácticas clínicas humanizadas y diferenciadas y en los cambios en la red de atención a la salud, después de la implementación del Programa. Los gestores reafirman la importancia de la implementación del programa en lo que se refiere a la provisión y a la fijación de médicos en la atención básica en municipios vulnerables y de difícil acceso.

The implementation of the Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program and comprehensiveness of care in the Family Health Strategy. / A implementação do Programa Mais Médicos e a integralidade nas práticas da Estratégia Saúde da Família.

The Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program is a Brazilian government program that aims to expand access to medical care and thus improve the quality of primary healthcare delivery. This study aims to analyze the perceptions of nondoctor members of the Family Health Strategy teams regarding comprehensiveness of care after the inclusion of doctors from the program. The study encompassed 32 poor municipalities in Brazil's five geographical regions. A total of 78 health workers were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis and the software Atlas.ti Version 1.0.36. The study found that the program led to: an increase in access to and accessibility of services provided under the Family Health Strategy; humanized care and the establishment of bonds - understanding, partnership, friendship and respect; going back to clinical approaches - dedicated time, listening attentively, and detailed physical examination; the desire and willingness to resolve problems; continuity of care; guarenteeing home visits; and coordination of multidisciplinary teams in networks. It was concluded that the Mais Médicos Program contributed to the enhancement of comprehensiveness, thus leading to improvements in primary health care delivery.

Evaluation of user satisfaction and service responsiveness in municipalities enrolled in the Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program. / Avaliação da satisfação dos usuários e da responsividade dos serviços em municípios inscritos no Programa Mais Médicos.

The Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program (PMM) addresses shortages of doctors, one of whose objectives is to reduce regional inequalities in access to health care. This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated service responsiveness and user satisfaction with PMM doctors among 263 users of the public health system in 32 municipalities with 20% or more of extreme poverty. Questionnaires of open and closed questions were used. Users were satisfied with patient-doctor relationships, information about diseases and treatment and the clarity and comprehensibility of medical indications. The doctors' technical and humanised conduct helped ensure satisfaction among users, who stressed the importance of the programme's continuance. As regards responsiveness, most users were pleased with the non-medical aspects of care: prompt scheduling of appointments, waiting times of less than one hour and privacy. Users suggested improving infrastructure and making more medicines and more doctors available, which should be considered by SUS managers to help ensure access to the right to health guaranteed in Brazil's constitution.

A implementação do Programa Mais Médicos e a integralidade nas práticas da Estratégia Saúde da Família / The implementation of the Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program and comprehensiveness of care in the Family Health Strategy

Resumo O Programa Mais Médicos (PMM) é uma estratégia do governo do Brasil que visa à ampliação do acesso a profissionais médicos e, consequentemente, melhorias na qualidade dos serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde. Objetivou-se analisar a percepção dos outros membros das equipes de saúde da família acerca da integralidade nas práticas a partir da incorporação do médico do Programa. Estudo em 32 municípios pobres nas cinco regiões do Brasil, nos quais foram entrevistados 78 profissionais de saúde, não médicos, das equipes que receberam médicos do PMM. As entrevistas foram submetidas à análise de conteúdo auxiliada pelo software Atlas.ti. Os principais achados revelaram o aumento do acesso e da acessibilidade ao serviço de saúde da Estratégia Saúde da Família; acolhimento humanizado e vínculo: compreensão, parceria, amizade e respeito; o resgate da clínica: tempo dedicado, escuta atenta, exame físico minucioso; o desejo e a disponibilidade para resolver problemas; a continuidade dos cuidados; a garantia de visitas domiciliares e as equipes multiprofissionais articuladas em redes. Conclui-se que o Programa Mais Médicos contribuiu na presença de traços de integralidade nas práticas de saúde, impactando positivamente na melhoria da Atenção Básica à Saúde.

Abstract The Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program is a Brazilian government program that aims to expand access to medical care and thus improve the quality of primary healthcare delivery. This study aims to analyze the perceptions of nondoctor members of the Family Health Strategy teams regarding comprehensiveness of care after the inclusion of doctors from the program. The study encompassed 32 poor municipalities in Brazil's five geographical regions. A total of 78 health workers were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis and the software Atlas.ti Version 1.0.36. The study found that the program led to: an increase in access to and accessibility of services provided under the Family Health Strategy; humanized care and the establishment of bonds - understanding, partnership, friendship and respect; going back to clinical approaches - dedicated time, listening attentively, and detailed physical examination; the desire and willingness to resolve problems; continuity of care; guarenteeing home visits; and coordination of multidisciplinary teams in networks. It was concluded that the Mais Médicos Program contributed to the enhancement of comprehensiveness, thus leading to improvements in primary health care delivery.

Avaliação da satisfação dos usuários e da responsividade dos serviços em municípios inscritos no Programa Mais Médicos / Evaluation of user satisfaction and service responsiveness in municipalities enrolled in the Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program

Resumo A finalidade do Programa Mais Médicos é diminuir a carência de médicos e reduzir as desigualdades regionais no acesso à atenção à saúde. O estudo objetivou avaliar a satisfação dos usuários com os médicos do Programa e a responsividade destes serviços de saúde. Estudo transversal descritivo realizado em 32 municípios com 20% ou mais de extrema pobreza com 263 usuários dos serviços de saúde. Aplicou-se um questionário estruturado com perguntas abertas e fechadas. Os usuários expressaram satisfação quanto ao atendimento médico, às informações recebidas sobre a doença e o tratamento, e a clareza e a compreensão das indicações. O bom desempenho técnico e humanizado dos médicos contribuiu para a satisfação dos usuários que ressaltaram a importância da continuidade do programa. Na dimensão responsividade, a maioria dos usuários externou contentamento quanto aos aspectos não médicos do cuidado: rapidez no agendamento, tempo de espera inferior a uma hora e privacidade. As sugestões dos usuários de melhorias na infraestrutura, maior disponibilidade de medicamentos e presença de mais médicos, devem ser consideradas pelos gestores do Sistema Único de Saúde para avançar na garantia do direito constitucional de acesso à saúde no Brasil.

Abstract The Mais Médicos (More Doctors) Program (PMM) addresses shortages of doctors, one of whose objectives is to reduce regional inequalities in access to health care. This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated service responsiveness and user satisfaction with PMM doctors among 263 users of the public health system in 32 municipalities with 20% or more of extreme poverty. Questionnaires of open and closed questions were used. Users were satisfied with patient-doctor relationships, information about diseases and treatment and the clarity and comprehensibility of medical indications. The doctors' technical and humanised conduct helped ensure satisfaction among users, who stressed the importance of the programme's continuance. As regards responsiveness, most users were pleased with the non-medical aspects of care: prompt scheduling of appointments, waiting times of less than one hour and privacy. Users suggested improving infrastructure and making more medicines and more doctors available, which should be considered by SUS managers to help ensure access to the right to health guaranteed in Brazil's constitution.

[Scope and potential of Primary Healthcare in Argentina]. / Alcances y potencialidades de la Atención Primaria de la Salud en Argentina.

This paper is part of the "Southern cone countries multicentric study of primary healthcare: healthcare models, health system integration and intersectoral relations in urban contexts in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay". Its scope is to contextualize, describe and analyze the current state of the PHC strategy in Argentina and its potential for transforming the fragmented and segmented health system. The data-gathering methodology was review of the literature, study of documents, interviews with key informants and workshop discussions with stakeholders of the system. The dimensions of the data analysis were: (1) stewardship capability; (2) PHC financing; (3) provision, human resources and comprehensiveness; (4) integration and continuity. The transversal analytical categories in all the dimensions were the segmentation and fragmentation of governance and the health system. For this reason, the dynamics and actions of the social actors involved in the healthcare system and their position in relation to PHC were analyzed. The paper contains a theoretical introduction on the scope of current definitions of PHC and the description of the social, economic, political and epidemiological context of healthcare policies in Argentina. PHC based on the proposed dimensions is then analyzed.