[Factors influencing the use of mechanisms for coordinating healthcare levels in Colombia]. / Factores que influyen en el uso de mecanismos de coordinación entre niveles asistenciales en Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the factors influencing the use of mechanisms for the clinical coordination of two Colombian public healthcare networks' healthcare levels in Bogotá from the main social actors' perspective. METHOD: This was a descriptive-interpretative, qualitative study of two public healthcare networks. Discussion groups and semi-structured interviews were used for collecting information. The approach involved two-stage theoretical sampling of a selection of centres operating at different healthcare levels and a selection of informants, including managers (n=19), healthcare employees (n=23) and administrative staff (n=20). Content analysis involved adopting a mixed method approach for generating categories, segmented by network, informant group and topic. RESULTS: Both networks had few mechanisms for enabling the clinical coordination of healthcare levels; information transfer mechanisms predominated and clinical management coordination mechanisms only dealt with maternal-perinatal care. Organisational factor-related complications were found regarding their use: lack of time, staff turnover, administrative use and technological deficiency. Employee/staff-related difficulties were due to lack of interest. These factors directly affected coordination with limited information transfer, patient follow-up and healthcare quality (diagnosis and treatment delays). CONCLUSIONS: The results highlighted the limited use of clinical coordination mechanisms in both public healthcare networks studied here, with problems in their use. Changes are required that affect directly organisational factors (time for coordination and working conditions) and professional factors (attitudes towards collaborative work).

[Knowledge and use of clinical coordination mechanisms in healthcare networks in Latin America]. / Conocimiento y uso de mecanismos de coordinación clínica de servicios de salud de Latinoamérica.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the level of knowledge and use, and the characteristics of use, of care coordination mechanisms in public healthcare networks of six Latin America countries. METHOD: Cross-sectional study based on a survey using the COORDENA® questionnaire with primary and secondary care doctors (348 doctors/country) of public healthcare networks in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay (May-October 2015). Analyzed variables: degree of knowledge and use of information coordination (referral/reply letter, discharge report, phone, e-mail) and of clinical management coordination (shared clinical guidelines, joint meetings) mechanisms. Descriptive analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Knowledge of clinical information coordination mechanisms was high in both care levels and analyzed networks as was the use of referral/reply letter. There was greater variability in the use of discharge reports (from 40.0% in Brazil to 79.4% in Mexico) and, except for Argentina, a low reception reported by primary care doctors stands out (12.3% in Colombia and 55.1% in Uruguay). In contrast, knowledge of clinical management coordination mechanisms was limited, especially among secondary care doctors. It is noteworthy, however, that adherence to clinical guidelines was high (from 83.1% in Mexico to 96.8% in Brazil), while participation in joint meetings varied widely (from 23.7% in Chile to 76.2% in Brazil). The difficulties reported in the use of the mechanisms are related to structural and organizational factors. CONCLUSIONS: The limited knowledge and use of coordination mechanisms shows insufficient diffusion and implementation. Strategies to increase its use are needed, including the related factors.

Doctors' opinions on clinical coordination between primary and secondary care in the Catalan healthcare system.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse doctors' opinions on clinical coordination between primary and secondary care in different healthcare networks and on the factors influencing it. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive-interpretative study was conducted, based on semi-structured interviews. A two-stage theoretical sample was designed: 1) healthcare networks with different management models; 2) primary care and secondary care doctors in each network. Final sample size (n = 50) was reached by saturation. A thematic content analysis was conducted. RESULTS: In all networks doctors perceived that primary and secondary care given to patients was coordinated in terms of information transfer, consistency and accessibility to SC following a referral. However, some problems emerged, related to difficulties in acceding non-urgent secondary care changes in prescriptions and the inadequacy of some referrals across care levels. Doctors identified the following factors: 1) organizational influencing factors: coordination is facilitated by mechanisms that facilitate information transfer, communication, rapid access and physical proximity that fosters positive attitudes towards collaboration; coordination is hindered by the insufficient time to use mechanisms, unshared incentives in prescription and, in two networks, the change in the organizational model; 2) professional factors: clinical skills and attitudes towards coordination. CONCLUSIONS: Although doctors perceive that primary and secondary care is coordinated, they also highlighted problems. Identified factors offer valuable insights on where to direct organizational efforts to improve coordination.

[Displaced women's opinion of the impact of forced displacement on their health]. / Opinión de las mujeres desplazadas sobre la repercusión en su salud del desplazamiento forzado.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the adaptation process of women internally displaced to the city and the relationship between displacement and their self-perceived main health problems. METHODS: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study was carried out by means of semi-structured individual interviews with a maximum variation sample of 25 internally displaced women. A narrative content analysis was conducted with mixed generation of categories and data segmentation by age and themes. The area under study consisted of five localities in the city of Bogotá (Colombia). RESULTS: According to the interviewed women's discourses, their adaptation to city life depended on the new socioeconomic and environmental conditions and the psychosocial impact of displacement on the family. Precarious economic conditions forced them to live in an unhealthy environment and, occasionally, to adopt the role of head of household. In this role, many of these women, particularly young women, faced great difficulties in ensuring that the family's needs were met. Young women and teenagers reported behavioral changes due to displacement, including reproduction of violence in the home. The main self-perceived health problems among displaced women were mental health, access to food, infections and gynecological alterations. Displaced women identified the main factors hindering their access to health services as their economic situation and home responsibilities. CONCLUSIONS: Displaced women face new environmental and family challenges that negatively affect their health and access to healthcare. Specific interventions aimed at displaced women are required to foster better health through access to work and long -term socioeconomic stability.

[Coordination among healthcare levels: systematization of tools and measures]. / La coordinación entre niveles asistenciales: una sistematización de sus instrumentos y medidas.

Improving healthcare coordination is a priority in many healthcare systems, particularly in chronic health problems in which a number of professionals and services intervene. There is an abundance of coordination strategies and mechanisms that should be systematized so that they can be used in the most appropriate context. The present article aims to analyse healthcare coordination and its instruments using the organisational theory. Coordination mechanisms can be classified according to two basic processes used to coordinate activities: programming and feedback. The optimal combination of mechanisms will depend on three factors: the degree to which healthcare activities are differentiated, the volume and type of interdependencies, and the level of uncertainty. Historically, healthcare services have based coordination on skills standardization and, most recently, on processes standardization, through clinical guidelines, maps, and plans. Their utilisation is unsatisfactory in chronic diseases involving intervention by several professionals with reciprocal interdependencies, variability in patients' response to medical interventions, and a large volume of information to be processed. In this case, mechanisms based on feedback, such as working groups, linking professionals and vertical information systems, are more effective. To date, evaluation of healthcare coordination has not been conducted systematically, using structure, process and results indicators. The different strategies and instruments have been applied mainly to long-term care and mental health and one of the challenges to healthcare coordination is to extend and evaluate their use throughout the healthcare continuum.

Factores que influyen en el uso de mecanismos de coordinación entre niveles asistenciales en Colombia / Factors influencing the use of mechanisms for coordinating healthcare levels in Colombia

Objetivo: Analizar los factores que inciden en la utilización de mecanismos de coordinación clínica entre niveles de atención en dos redes de servicios de salud de Bogotá (Colombia), desde la perspectiva de los actores principales. Método: Estudio cualitativo, descriptivo-interpretativo, en dos redes de servicios de salud públicas, mediante entrevistas individuales semiestructuradas y grupos de discusión. Se realizó un muestreo teórico en dos etapas: 1) selección de centros de diferentes niveles de atención y 2) selección de informantes: directivos/as (n=19), profesionales de salud (n=23) y administrativos/as (n=20). Se realizó un análisis de contenido, con generación mixta de categorías y segmentación por red, grupos de informantes y temas. Resultados: En ambas redes se identificaron pocos mecanismos de coordinación clínica entre niveles, con predominio de los mecanismos de transferencia de información, y como mecanismos de coordinación de gestión clínica solo los dedicados a atención maternal-perinatal. Emergieron problemas uso relacionados con factores organizativos (falta de tiempo, rotación del personal, uso administrativo, déficit tecnológico) y de los/las profesionales (desinterés), con consecuencias sobre la coordinación (limitada transferencia de información y seguimiento de la atención) y la calidad de la atención (retrasos en diagnósticos y tratamientos). Conclusiones: Los resultados indican una limitada implementación de mecanismos de coordinación clínica en general, con problemas en su uso. Se requieren cambios sobre factores organizativos (tiempo para la coordinación y condiciones de trabajo) y de los/las profesionales (actitudes hacia el trabajo colaborativo). (AU)

Objective: To analyse the factors influencing the use of mechanisms for the clinical coordination of two Colombian public healthcare networks' healthcare levels in Bogotá from the main social actors' perspective. Method: This was a descriptive-interpretative, qualitative study of two public healthcare networks. Discussion groups and semi-structured interviews were used for collecting information. The approach involved two-stage theoretical sampling of a selection of centres operating at different healthcare levels and a selection of informants, including managers (n=19), healthcare employees (n=23) and administrative staff (n=20). Content analysis involved adopting a mixed method approach for generating categories, segmented by network, informant group and topic. Results: Both networks had few mechanisms for enabling the clinical coordination of healthcare levels; information transfer mechanisms predominated and clinical management coordination mechanisms only dealt with maternal-perinatal care. Organisational factor-related complications were found regarding their use: lack of time, staff turnover, administrative use and technological deficiency. Employee/staff-related difficulties were due to lack of interest. These factors directly affected coordination with limited information transfer, patient follow-up and healthcare quality (diagnosis and treatment delays). Conclusions: The results highlighted the limited use of clinical coordination mechanisms in both public healthcare networks studied here, with problems in their use. Changes are required that affect directly organisational factors (time for coordination and working conditions) and professional factors (attitudes towards collaborative work). (AU)

[Social participation in health: user community leaders, managers and policy makers in Colombia. A qualitative view]. / Participación social en salud: conceptos de usuarios, líderes comunitarios, gestores y formuladores de políticas en Colombia. Una mirada cualitativa.

BACKGROUND: Health sector reforms taking place in Colombia during the Nineties included policies to promote social participation in the health system, which is considered essential to its functioning. The aim of this article is to analyse the meaning and the significance of participation in health for the different social actors involved in implementing policies in Colombia. METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory study was carried out using focal groups (FG) and semi-structured individual interviews (I) of the different social actors: 210 users (FG), 40 community leaders (FG), 3 policy makers (E) and 36 healthcare professionals (E). A carried out analysis was content up of the contents. The study area corresponded to the municipalities of Tulua and Palmira in Colombia. RESULTS: The concept of participation was interpreted differently depending on the actor studied: for users and leaders the concept referred to contributing ideas, presence in social spaces, solidarity and frequently, and use of the health services. Healthcare professionals considered the activities carried out by institutions together with the community as social participation, the use of services and affiliation to the health system. Policy markers considered participation to concern evaluation and control of the health services by the community, to improve its quality. CONCLUSIONS: The different concepts of participation reveal dif ferences between the content of the policy and how it is understood and interpreted by the different social actors in their interaction with the health services. These different perspectives must be taken into account to develop a link between society and the health services.

[Adaptation and validation of the CCAENA(©) scale for the measurement of continuity of care between healthcare levels in Colombia and Brazil]. / Adaptación y validación de la escala CCAENA(©) para evaluar la continuidad asistencial entre niveles de atención en Colombia y Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To adapt and to validate the scale of the questionnaire Continuity of Care between Care Levels (CCAENA(©)) in the context of the Colombian and Brazilian health systems. METHODS: The study consisted of two phases: 1) adaptation of the CCAENA(©) scale to the context of each country, which was tested by two pretests and a pilot test, and 2) validation by means of application of the scale in a population survey in Colombia and Brazil. The following psychometric properties were analyzed: construct validity (exploratory factor analysis), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha and item-rest correlations), the multidimensionality of the scales (Spearman correlation coefficients), and known group validity (chi-square test). RESULTS: Of the 21 items of the original scale, 14 were selected and reformulated based on a statement with response options of agreement to a question with frequency response options. Factor analysis showed that items could be grouped into three factors: continuity across healthcare levels, the patient-primary care provider relationship, and the patient-secondary care provider relationship. Cronbach's alpha indicated good internal consistency (>0.80 in all the scales). The correlation coefficients suggest that the three factors could be interpreted as separated scales (<0.70) and had adequate ability to differentiate between groups. CONCLUSION: The adapted version of the CCAENA(©) shows adequate validity and reliability in both countries, maintaining a high equivalence with the original version. It is a useful and feasible tool to assess the continuity of care between healthcare levels from the users' perspective in both contexts.

Conocimiento y uso de mecanismos de coordinación clínica de servicios de salud de Latinoamérica / Knowledge and use of clinical coordination mechanisms in healthcare networks in Latin America

OBJETIVO: Analizar el nivel de conocimiento y uso, y las características del uso, de los mecanismos de coordinación clínica entre niveles de atención en redes de servicios de salud de seis países de Latinoamérica. MÉTODO: Estudio transversal mediante encuesta, usando el cuestionario COORDENA®, a médicos de atención primaria y especializada (tamaño estimado: 348 médicos/país) de redes sanitarias públicas de Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, México y Uruguay (mayo-octubre 2015). Variables analizadas: conocimiento y uso de mecanismos de coordinación de la información (hoja de referencia/contrarreferencia-interconsulta [HRCR], informe de alta hospitalaria, teléfono, correo electrónico) y de la gestión clínica (guías de práctica clínica y reuniones conjuntas). Se realizó un análisis descriptivo. RESULTADOS: El conocimiento de los mecanismos de coordinación de la información es alto en ambos niveles de atención en las redes analizadas, así como también el uso de la HRCR. Existe mayor variabilidad en el envío del informe de alta hospitalaria (del 40,0% en Brasil al 79,4% en México) y, excepto en Argentina, destaca su baja recepción por los médicos de atención primaria (12,3% en Colombia y 55,1% en Uruguay). En cambio, el conocimiento de los mecanismos de coordinación de la gestión clínica es limitado, en especial entre los médicos de atención especializada. Llama la atención la alta adherencia a las guías de práctica clínica (del 83,1% en México al 96,8% en Brasil), mientras que la participación en reuniones conjuntas varía ampliamente (del 23,7% en Chile al 76,2% en Brasil). Las dificultades para la utilización de los mecanismos se refieren a factores estructurales y organizativos. CONCLUSIONES: El conocimiento y el uso limitados de los mecanismos de coordinación parecen reflejar su escasa difusión e implementación. Son necesarias estrategias que promuevan su uso, interviniendo sobre los factores determinantes

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the level of knowledge and use, and the characteristics of use, of care coordination mechanisms in public healthcare networks of six Latin America countries. METHOD: Cross-sectional study based on a survey using the COORDENA® questionnaire with primary and secondary care doctors (348 doctors/country) of public healthcare networks in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay (May-October 2015). Analyzed variables: degree of knowledge and use of information coordination (referral/reply letter, discharge report, phone, e-mail) and of clinical management coordination (shared clinical guidelines, joint meetings) mechanisms. Descriptive analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Knowledge of clinical information coordination mechanisms was high in both care levels and analyzed networks as was the use of referral/reply letter. There was greater variability in the use of discharge reports (from 40.0% in Brazil to 79.4% in Mexico) and, except for Argentina, a low reception reported by primary care doctors stands out (12.3% in Colombia and 55.1% in Uruguay). In contrast, knowledge of clinical management coordination mechanisms was limited, especially among secondary care doctors. It is noteworthy, however, that adherence to clinical guidelines was high (from 83.1% in Mexico to 96.8% in Brazil), while participation in joint meetings varied widely (from 23.7% in Chile to 76.2% in Brazil). The difficulties reported in the use of the mechanisms are related to structural and organizational factors. CONCLUSIONS: The limited knowledge and use of coordination mechanisms shows insufficient diffusion and implementation. Strategies to increase its use are needed, including the related factors

[Immigrants' access to health care in Spain: a review]. / Acceso a los servicios de salud de la población inmigrante en España.

BACKGROUND: An important proportion of the population in Spain is immigrant and the international literature indicates their inadequate access to health services. The objective is to contribute to improving the knowledge on access to health care of the immigrant population in Spain. METHODS: Review of original papers published (1998-2012) on access to health services of the immigrant population in Spain published in Medline and MEDES. Out of 319 studies, 20 were selected, applying predefined criteria. The results were analyzed using the Aday and Andersen framework. RESULTS: Among the publications, 13 quantitative studies analysed differences in health care use between the immigrant and the native population, and 7 studied determinants of access of immigrants. Studies showed less use of specialized care by immigrants, higher use of emergency care and no differences in the use of primary care between groups. Five quantitative articles on determinants of access focused on factors related to the immigrant population (sex, age, educational level and holding private health insurance), but without observing clear patterns. The two qualitative studies analyzed factors related to health services, describing access to healthcare barriers such as the limited provision of information or the requirements for personal health card. CONCLUSION: Access to health care in immigrants has been scarcely studied, using different approaches and the barely analysed factors related to the services. No clear patterns were observed, as differences depend on the classification of migrants according to country of origin and the level of care. However, studies showed less use of specialized care by immigrants, higher use of emergency care and the existence of determinants of access different to their needs.

Doctors' opinions on clinical coordination between primary and secondary care in the Catalan healthcare system / Opinión de los médicos sobre coordinación entre atención primaria y especializada en el sistema de salud catalán

Objective: To analyse doctors' opinions on clinical coordination between primary and secondary care in different healthcare networks and on the factors influencing it. Methods: A qualitative descriptive-interpretative study was conducted, based on semi-structured interviews. A two-stage theoretical sample was designed: 1) healthcare networks with different management models; 2) primary care and secondary care doctors in each network. Final sample size (n = 50) was reached by saturation. A thematic content analysis was conducted. Results: In all networks doctors perceived that primary and secondary care given to patients was coordinated in terms of information transfer, consistency and accessibility to SC following a referral. However, some problems emerged, related to difficulties in acceding non-urgent secondary care changes in prescriptions and the inadequacy of some referrals across care levels. Doctors identified the following factors: 1) organizational influencing factors: coordination is facilitated by mechanisms that facilitate information transfer, communication, rapid access and physical proximity that fosters positive attitudes towards collaboration; coordination is hindered by the insufficient time to use mechanisms, unshared incentives in prescription and, in two networks, the change in the organizational model; 2) professional factors: clinical skills and attitudes towards coordination. Conclusions: Although doctors perceive that primary and secondary care is coordinated, they also highlighted problems. Identified factors offer valuable insights on where to direct organizational efforts to improve coordination

Objetivo: Analizar la opinión de los médicos sobre la coordinación entre la atención primaria (AP) y la atención especializada (AE) en diferentes redes de servicios de salud, e identificar los factores relacionados. Método: Estudio cualitativo descriptivo-interpretativo basado en entrevistas semiestructuradas. Se diseñó una muestra teórica en dos etapas: 1) redes de servicios de salud con diferentes modelos de gestión; 2) en cada red, médicos de AP y AE. El tamaño muestral se alcanzó por saturación (n = 50). Se realizó un análisis temático de contenido. Resultados: En las tres redes, los médicos expresaron que la atención está coordinada en términos de intercambio de información, consistencia y accesibilidad de AE tras derivación urgente. Sin embargo, emergieron problemas relacionados con el acceso no urgente y cambios en prescripciones, y en dos redes la inadecuación clínica de las derivaciones entre ambos niveles. Se identificaron los siguientes factores relacionados: 1) organizativos: facilitan la coordinación, la existencia de mecanismos de transferencia de información, de comunicación y de acceso rápido, y la proximidad física que promueve actitudes positivas a la colaboración; la obstaculizan el tiempo insuficiente para el uso de mecanismos, incentivos no compartidos en la prescripción y, en dos redes, un cambio del modelo organizativo; 2) relacionados con los profesionales: habilidades clínicas y actitudes frente a la coordinación. Conclusiones: Aunque los médicos perciben que la atención entre niveles está coordinada, también señalan problemas. Los factores identificados muestran hacia dónde dirigir los esfuerzos organizativos para su mejora

[Determinants of the use of different healthcare levels in the General System of Social Security in Health in Colombia and the Unified Health System in Brazil]. / Determinantes del uso de distintos niveles asistenciales en el Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud y Sistema Único de Salud en Colombia y Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of different healthcare levels, and its determinants, in two different health systems, the General System of Social Security in Health (GSSSH) and the Unified Health System (UHS) in municipalities in Colombia and Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out, based on a population survey in two municipalities in Colombia (n=2163) and two in Brazil (n=2155). Outcome variables consisted of the use of primary care services, outpatient secondary care services, and emergency care in the previous 3 months. Explanatory variables were need and predisposing and enabling factors. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed by healthcare level and country. RESULTS: The determinants of use differed by healthcare level and country: having a chronic disease was associated with a greater use of primary and outpatient secondary care in Colombia, and was also associated with the use of emergency care in Brazil. In Colombia, persons enrolled in the contributory scheme more frequently used the services of the GSSSH than persons enrolled with subsidized contributions in primary and outpatient secondary care and more than persons without insurance in any healthcare level. In Brazil, the low-income population and those without private insurance more frequently used the UHS at any level. In both countries, the use of primary care was increased when persons knew the healthcare center to which they were assigned and if they had a regular source of care. Knowledge of the referral hospital increased the use of outpatient secondary care and emergency care. CONCLUSIONS: In both countries, the influence of the determinants of use differed according to the level of care used, emphasizing the need to analyze healthcare use by disaggregating it by level of care.

Coordinación de la atención entre niveles y sus factores asociados en dos subredes de la red municipal de salud de la ciudad de Rosario, Argentina / Coordenação de cuidados entre os níveis e fatores associados em dois sub-redes da rede municipal de saúde da cidade de Rosario, Argentina / Coordination of care between levels and their associated factors in two subnets of the municipal health network in the city of Rosario, Argentina

Objetivo: evaluar la coordinación de atención entre niveles y factores que influyen a partir de experiencia de médicos de primer y segundo nivel en subredes del sistema público Municipalidad de Rosario. Método: Estudio transversal, encuestas presenciales a médicos de Primer (AP) y Segundo (AE) nivel. Análisis univariado y bivariado. Resultados: similares en subredes. Bajo intercambio de información, pero alta valoración. Remisión oportuna entre niveles; prevalece entre AP existencia de acuerdos de indicaciones de médicos de AE. No se repiten estudios. AP es responsable del seguimiento del paciente, AE envía a pacientes al primer nivel post consulta, AE hacen recomendaciones a AP y AP consultan dudas a AE. La minoría percibe atención coordinada. Factores que influyen: edad, nivel de atención, antigüedad de trabajo, red de atención, tiempo/paciente, tiempo para coordinación en consulta, satisfacción salarial y confianza en habilidades clínicas. Conclusiones: rasgos comunes con particularidades producto de la construcción de redes locales.

The objective was to evaluate care coordination between levels and influential factors from the experience of Primary Care (PC) and Secondary Care (SC) level doctors in subnets of the public system in the city of Rosario. Methods: Cross sectional study, based on face-to-face surveys to doctors of first and second care levels. Univariate and bivariate analysis. Results: similar in both subnets. Low information exchange, but highly valued. Adequate remission between levels, agreements among PC with SC's recommendations. Studies are not repeated. PC doctor is responsible for the patient's follow up; SC doctor sends patients for a follow up consultation with PC doctor, SC makes recommendations to PC and PC asks doubts to SC. A minority perceives coordinated care. Age, care level, seniority at work, care network, time/patient, coordination time in consultation, satisfaction with salary, and confidence on clinical abilities are influential factors. Conclusions: common features with particularities due to the construction of local networks.

O objetivo foi avaliar a coordenação do atendimento entre níveis e fatores que influenciam a partir da experiência de médicos de primeiro e segundo nível em sub-redes do sistema público do município de Rosário. O método foi um estudo transversal, enquetes presenciais a médicos do primeiro (AP) e segundo (AE) nível. Análise univariada e bivariada. Resultados: semelhantes em sub-redes. Baixa troca de informações, mas alta valorização. Transmissão oportuna entre os níveis; a existência de acordos de indicações de médicos de EA prevalece entre aqueles de AP. Nenhum estudo é repetido. AP é responsável pelo acompanhamento do paciente. AE envia pacientes para o primeiro nível após consulta, AE faz recomendações para dúvidas de AP, e AP consulta dúvidas para AE. A minoria percebe atenção coordenada. Fatores que influenciam: idade, nível de cuidados, antigüidade no serviço, rede de cuidados, tempo / paciente, tempo de coordenação da consulta, satisfação salarial e confiança nas habilidades clínicas. Conclusões: características comuns com particularidades decorrentes da construção de redes locais.

Awareness of the healthcare system and rights to healthcare in the Colombian population.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze changes in users' awareness of the healthcare system and of their rights to healthcare in Colombia in the last 10 years, as well as the factors that influence users' awareness. METHODS: We carried out a descriptive study to compare the results of two cross-sectional studies based on two surveys of users of the Colombian healthcare system. The first survey was performed in 2000 and the second in 2010. The municipalities of Tuluá (urban area) and Palmira (rural area) were surveyed. In both surveys, a stratified, multistage probability sample was selected. There were 1497 users in the first sample and 1405 in the second. Changes in awareness of the healthcare system and associated factors in each year were assessed through multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: Users' awareness of the healthcare system was limited in 2000 and was significantly lower in 2010, except for that relating to health insurers and providers. In contrast, more than 90% of users in both surveys perceived themselves as having healthcare rights. The factors consistently associated with greater awareness were belonging to a high socioeconomic stratum and having higher education. CONCLUSIONS: The most underprivileged users were less likely to be aware of the healthcare system, hampering their ability to make informed decisions and to exercise their health rights. To correct this situation, health institutions and the government should act decisively to reduce social inequalities.

Impact of economic crisis on mental health of migrant workers: what happened with migrants who came to Spain to work?

OBJECTIVES: To assess changes in mental health in a sample of migrant workers after the eruption of the economic crisis in Spain. METHODS: 318 migrant workers were interviewed. Mental health, sociodemographic, and economic crisis related variables were obtained through face-to-face (2008) and phone (2011) interviews. Prevalence of poor mental health (PMH) was compared (2011-2008) and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted. RESULTS: Change in prevalence of PMH was higher in men (aOR 4.63; 95 % CI 2.11-10.16). Subgroups of men showing the largest detrimental mental health effects were: unemployed, with low salaries (≤1,200 euros) and those reporting family burden. An increase of PMH was found in women, without significant associations. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health of migrant workers in Spain has worsened during the economic crisis.

Factors associated to experienced continuity of care between primary and outpatient secondary care in the Catalan public healthcare system.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze patient's reported elements of relational, informational and managerial (dis)continuity between primary and outpatient secondary care and to identify associated factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study by means of a survey of a random sample of 1500 patients attended in primary and secondary care for the same condition. The study settings consisted of three health areas of the Catalan health system. Data were collected in 2010 using the CCAENA questionnaire, which identifies patients' experiences of continuity of care. Descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression models were carried out. RESULTS: Elements of continuity of care were experienced by most patients. However, elements of discontinuity were also identified: 20% and 15% were seen by more than one primary or secondary care physician, respectively. Their secondary care physician or both professionals were identified as responsible for their care by 40% and 45% of users, respectively. Approximately 20% reported a lack of information transfer. Finally, 72% of secondary care consultations were due to primary care referral, whilst only 36% reported a referral back to primary care. Associated factors were healthcare setting, age, sex, perceived health status and disease duration. CONCLUSION: Users generally reported continuity of care, although elements of discontinuity were also identified, which can be partially explained by the healthcare setting and some individual factors. Elements of discontinuity should be addressed to better adapt care to patients' needs.

[Health policies of national and regional level for the immigrant population in Spain]. / Políticas sanitarias de ámbito estatal y autonómico para la población inmigrante en España.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the content of health policies for the immigrant population developed by central and regional governments in Spain. METHODS: A descriptive comparative study of central and regional healthcare policies for the immigrant population was conducted in Spain through content analysis. The selected regions were Andalusia, Valencia, Madrid and the Basque Country as these regions have specific policies, distinct proportions of immigrants and policy evaluations. National or regional health and immigration plans with health policies for immigrants were selected. Contents analysis was conducted of the following main dimensions: policy principles and objectives, strategies and results' evaluation. Subsequently, strategies were categorized according to the area of intervention. RESULTS: Healthcare policies for the immigrant population are mainly included in national and regional immigration plans. The principles of these policies are based on equal rights to healthcare between the immigrant and native-born populations and the objectives aim to achieve this end. National objectives and actions address access to and adaptation of health services, health promotion, health needs assessment, and health personnel training in cultural competences. Regional policies follow the national guidelines but their actions are more specific. Policy evaluations are highly limited. CONCLUSIONS: The content of the health policies, especially national policies, address major issues in meeting immigrants' healthcare needs. However, the absence of assessments, together with persistent problems in the provision of care and inequalities in access, could indicate insufficient implementation and requires careful monitoring.

[Design and validation of a questionnaire to measure continuity between care levels from the user's perspective]. / Diseño y validación de un cuestionario para medir la continuidad asistencial entre niveles desde la perspectiva del usuario: CCAENA.

OBJECTIVES: To design and validate an instrument that measures continuity between levels of care from the user's perspective to be applied in any healthcare system providing a continuum of care. METHODS: 1) A questionnaire for the measurement of continuity of care was designed, based on a literature review, and 2) the questionnaire was validated using an expert group, two pretests and a pilot test to a sample of 200 healthcare users. We assessed the questionnaire's comprehensibility, content validity and interviewer burden, as well as the reliability and construct validity of the scale. RESULTS: The instrument encompasses three types of continuity (management, information and relational) and is divided in two complementary parts. The first part addresses the patients' care pathways and the continuity of care for a particular episode that occurred in the last 3 months. The second part measures patients' perception of the continuity between levels of care. The experts agreed that all dimensions of continuity were represented and the interviewees found the questionnaire easy to understand. The mean time required to apply the instrument was 33.9 min. Cronbach's alpha was acceptable (>0.7) in all subscales except one, which was then removed. The multiple correspondence analyses showed associations among theoretically related items. CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire (CCAENA) seems to be an useful, valid and reliable instrument to assess comprehensively continuity between levels of care from the user's perspective. Further information about the questionnaire's psychometric properties will be obtained by applying it to a larger population.

Acceso a los servicios de salud de la población inmigrante en España / Immmigrant´s access to health care in Spain: a review

Fundamentos: Una importante proporción de población en España es inmigrante y la evidencia internacional señala su acceso inadecuado a los servicios de salud. El objetivo es conocer el acceso a la atención de la población inmigrante en España. Métodos: Revisión bibliográfica de los artículos originales (1998- 2012) sobre acceso y utilización de los servicios de la población inmigrante en España registrados en Medline y MEDES. Se identificaron 319 artículos de los que se seleccionaron 20. Se utilizó el modelo de Aday y Andersen para el análisis. Resultados: Entre los artículos seleccionados, 13 estudios cuantitativos analizaron diferencias en la utilización de los servicios entre inmigrantes y autóctonos y 7 determinantes del acceso en inmigrantes. En líneas generales estos muestran menor utilización de la atención especializada, mayor de las urgencias y no se observaron diferencias entre grupos en atención primaria. Los 5 estudios cuantitativos sobre determinantes se centraron en las características de la población (sexo, edad, nivel de estudios y posesión de seguro privado) sin observarse un patrón claro. Los 2 estudios cualitativos analizaron factores relacionados con los servicios de salud y encontraron barreras en el acceso, como la provisión de información o los requisitos para obtener la tarjeta sanitaria. Conclusiones: El acceso a la atención en inmigrantes ha sido limitadamente abordado, con aproximaciones diferentes y los factores relacionados con la oferta, escasamente analizados. No se observa un patrón de utilización, las diferencias dependen de la clasificación de los inmigrante según origen y nivel asistencial. No obstante, en inmigrantes se observa menor utilización de la atención especializada y mayor de las urgencias, así como determinantes del acceso distintos a la necesidad (AU)

Background: An important proportion of the population in Spain is immigrant and the international literature indicates their inadequate access to health services. The objective is to contribute to improving the knowledge on access to health care of the immigrant population in Spain. Methods: Review of original papers published (1998-2012) on access to health services of the immigrant population in Spain published in Medline and MEDES. Out of 319 studies, 20 were selected, applying predefined criteria. The results were analyzed using the Aday and Andersen framework. Results:Among the publications, 13 quantitative studies analysed differences in health care use between the immigrant and the native population, and 7 studied determinants of access of immigrants. Studies showed less use of specialized care by immigrants, higher use of emergency care and no differences in the use of primary care between groups. Five quantitative articles on determinants of access focused on factors related to the immigrant population (sex, age, educational level and holding private health insurance), but without observing clear patterns. The two qualitative studies analyzed factors related to health services, describing access to healthcare barriers such as the limited provision of information or the requirements for personal health card. Conclusion: Access to health care in immigrants has been scarcely studied, using different approaches and the barely analysed factors related to the services. No clear patterns were observed, as differences depend on the classification of migrants according to country of origin and the level of care. However, studies showed less use of specialized care by immigrants, higher use of emergency care and the existence of determinants of access different to their needs (AU)

Determinantes del uso de distintos niveles asistenciales en el Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud y Sistema Único de Salud en Colombia y Brasil / Determinants of the use of different healthcare levels in the General System of Social Security in Health in Colombia and the Unified Health System in Brazil

Objetivo. Analizar comparativamente la utilización de servicios de los distintos niveles asistenciales y sus determinantes, de dos sistemas de salud diferentes, Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud (SGSSS) y Sistema Único de Salud (SUS), en municipios de Colombia y Brasil. Métodos. Estudio transversal basado en encuesta poblacional en dos municipios de Colombia (n = 2163) y dos de Brasil (n = 2155). Variables resultado: utilización de los servicios de atención primaria, especializada y urgencias en los últimos 3 meses. Variables explicativas: necesidad, factores capacitantes y predisponentes. Análisis bivariado y regresiones logísticas multivariadas por nivel asistencial y país. Resultados. Los determinantes de la utilización varían según el nivel asistencial y el país. Padecer una enfermedad crónica se asocia a un mayor uso de atención primaria y especializada en Colombia, y además a las urgencias en Brasil. En Colombia, los afiliados al régimen contributivo utilizan más los servicios del SGSSS que los del subsidiado en atención primaria y especializada, o que los no asegurados en cualquier nivel; en Brasil, la población de baja renta y sin seguro privado hace un mayor uso del SUS en cualquier nivel de atención. En ambos países, conocer el centro de salud asignado y tener una fuente regular de atención incrementa el uso de la atención primaria y el conocimiento del hospital de referencia, el de especializada y urgencias. Conclusiones. La influencia de los determinantes del uso difiere según el nivel de atención utilizado en ambos países, por lo que se subraya la necesidad de analizarlo desagregando por nivel asistencial (AU)

Objective. To compare the use of different healthcare levels, and its determinants, in two different health systems, the General System of Social Security in Health (GSSSH) and the Unified Health System (UHS) in municipalities in Colombia and Brazil. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out, based on a population survey in two municipalities in Colombia (n = 2163) and two in Brazil (n = 2155). Outcome variables consisted of the use of primary care services, outpatient secondary care services, and emergency care in the previous 3 months. Explanatory variables were need and predisposing and enabling factors. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed by healthcare level and country. Results. The determinants of use differed by healthcare level and country: having a chronic disease was associated with a greater use of primary and outpatient secondary care in Colombia, and was also associated with the use of emergency care in Brazil. In Colombia, persons enrolled in the contributory scheme more frequently used the services of the GSSSH than persons enrolled with subsidized contributions in primary and outpatient secondary care and more than persons without insurance in any healthcare level. In Brazil, the low-income population and those without private insurance more frequently used the UHS at any level. In both countries, the use of primary care was increased when persons knew the healthcare center to which they were assigned and if they had a regular source of care. Knowledge of the referral hospital increased the use of outpatient secondary care and emergency care. Conclusions. In both countries, the influence of the determinants of use differed according to the level of care used, emphasizing the need to analyze healthcare use by disaggregating it by level of care (AU)