Challenges to implementing planning processes in Brazilian health regions.

OBJECTIVE: To recognize elements that facilitated or hindered the PlanificaSUS implementation stages. METHODS: A multiple case study was carried out in four pre-selected health regions in Brazil-Belo Jardim (PE), Fronteira Oeste (RS), Sul-Mato-Grossense (MT) and Valença (BA) using systemic arterial hypertension and maternal and child care as tracer conditions. Participant observation (in regional interagency commissions) and in-depth interviews with key informants from state and municipal management and primary health care and specialized outpatient care service professionals within the project were carried out in these four regions. Analysis was built according to political, technical-operational, and contextual dimensions. RESULTS: The political dimension evinced that the regions found the project an opportunity to articulate states and municipalities and an important political bet to build networks and lines of care but that there remained much to be faced in the disputes related to building the Unified Health System (SUS). In the technical operational dimension, it is important to consider that primary health care stimulated a culture of local planning and favored traditional tools to organize and improve it, such as organizing registrations, agendas, and demands. However, centralized training and planning-inducing processes fail to always respond to local needs and can produce barriers to implementation. CONCLUSIONS: It is worth considering the central and regional role of state managers in the commitment related to the project and the effect of mobilizing primary health care and expanding its power. There remains much to be faced in the disputes at stake in bullring SUS.

The rehabilitation workforce in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The surge in individuals facing functional impairments has heightened the demand for rehabilitation services. Understanding the distribution of the rehabilitation workforce is pivotal for effective health system planning to address the population's health needs. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the spatial and temporal dispersion of physical therapists, speech therapists, psychologists and occupational therapists across various tiers of care within Brazil's Unified Health System and its regions. METHOD: This is an ecological time series study on the supply of rehabilitation professionals. Data were obtained from the National Register of Health Establishments from 2007 to 2020. The density of professionals was calculated per 10,000 inhabitants annually for Brazil and its five regions. The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the temporal trends of the density of professionals, considering a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: In 2020, the most notable concentrations of psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists in Brazil were observed in the domain of Specialized Health Care, with densities of 0.60, 0.20, and 0.16 professionals per 10,000 inhabitants, respectively. Conversely, the highest density of physical therapists was found within Hospital Health Care, with a density of 1.19 professionals per 10,000 inhabitants. Notably, variations in professional dispersion across different regions were apparent. Primary Health Care exhibited the highest density of professionals in the Northeast region, while the Southern region accounted for the highest densities in all professional categories within Specialized Health Care. The southeast region exhibited the largest workforce within Hospital Health Care. A marked upsurge in professional availability was noted across all categories, notably in the occupational therapy sector within hospital care (AAPC: 30.8), despite its initial low density. CONCLUSION: The implementation of public health policies played a significant role in the expansion of the rehabilitation workforce at all three levels of care in Brazil and its various regions from 2007 to 2020. Consequently, regional disparities and densities of professionals have emerged, mirroring patterns observed in low-income countries.

The Brazilian primary health care response to the COVID-19 pandemic: individual and collective approaches.

Objectives: Brazil's PHC wide coverage has a potential role in the fight against COVID, especially in less developed regions. PHC should deal with COVID-19 treatment; health surveillance; continuity of care; and social support. This article aims to analyze PHC performance profiles during the pandemic, in these axes, comparing the five Brazilian macro-regions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was carried out, using stratified probability sampling of PHC facilities (PHCF). A Composite Index was created, the Covid PHC Index (CPI). Factor analysis revealed that collective actions contrastingly behaved to individual actions. We verified differences in the distributions of CPI components between macro-regions and their associations with structural indicators. Results: Nine hundred and seven PHCF participated in the survey. The CPI and its axes did not exceed 70, with the highest value in surveillance (70) and the lowest in social support (59). The Individual dimension scored higher in the South, whereas the Collective dimension scored higher in the Northeast region. PHCF with the highest CPI belong to municipalities with lower HDI, GDP per capita, population, number of hospitals, and ICU beds. Conclusion: The observed profiles, individually and collectively-oriented, convey disputes on Brazilian health policies since 2016, and regional structural inequalities.

Innovative shortcuts and initiatives in primary health care for rural/remote localities: a scoping review on how to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as one of the greatest challenges to societies, world health systems and science in the past century, making it imperative to restructure care networks. Therefore, it is essential to discuss the role and initiatives of primary health care (PHC) to deal with it. However, regarding the response to the pandemic, including the current global effort against COVID-19, the nuances of the rural/remote PHC context in the pandemic is barely visible. Rural and remote communities have differentiated health risks, such as socioeconomic disadvantages, difficulties in mobility and access to health services, in addition to linguistic and cultural barriers. This scoping review aimed to analyze the set of individual and collective initiatives and innovations developed to face the COVID-19 pandemic, within the PHC scope, in rural and remote areas. METHODS: A scoping review methodology was applied to peer-reviewed articles. Eight databases were searched to identify scientific articles published in English, Spanish and Portuguese, initially from January 2020 to July 2021, complemented by a rapid review of articles published from January 2022 to April 2023. The main focus sought in the literature was the set of initiatives and innovations carried out within the PHC scope in rural and remote locations during the pandemic, as well as the comparison with pre-pandemic situations and between different countries. The bibliographic information of each search result was imported into Rayyan (Intelligent Systematic Review), followed by the screening and eligibility stages, performed independently by two reviewers, with a third reviewer being accessed in case of conflicts. RESULTS: This review included 54 studies, with publications mostly from Australia, Canada, the US and India. The main PHC initiatives were related to access; to the roles of community health workers and health surveillance; and to the importance of placing, retaining and valuing human resources in health. Cultural, equity and vulnerability issues occupy a major place among the initiatives. Regarding the innovations, telehealth and customized communication are highlighted. From an organizational point of view, rural and remote locations showed enormous flexibility to deal with the pandemic and to improve intersectoral activities at the local level. The description of rurality and remoteness is practically coincident with that of the specific populations, present in geographic areas of difficult sociospatial and cultural access. Rarely, there is an index to measure rurality, or its description deals with the need to overcome distances and obstacles. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight and summarize knowledge about initiatives and innovations developed to face the COVID-19 pandemic, within the PHC scope in rural and remote areas in the world. This review has identified collective, clinical, intersectoral and, mainly, organizational health initiatives. An articulation between different government levels would be paramount in evaluating the implementation of policies and protocols in rural and remote locations for future sanitary crises. Innovations and lessons learned are equally relevant in strengthening health services and systems. This issue calls for considerable further exploration by new reviews and empirical research that seek evidence to assess the sustainability and effectiveness of the implemented measures to face post-pandemic difficulties and other adversities.

Dental care for persons with disabilities: discretion on the frontline.

OBJECTIVE: To depict the influence of discretionary actions exercised by frontline professionals and organizations on the implementation of diverse modalities of access to specialized dental care within the Care Network for Persons with Disabilities. METHODS: A case study conducted in two Brazilian health regions characterized by distinct means of access to specialized dental care employing documentary analysis and interviews with key stakeholders across the period spanning from July to December 2019. RESULTS: In the referenced access region, there was a notable centrality of Primary Health Care (PHC) in caregiving, wherein planning and assessment were integral components of institutional routines. Where spontaneous demand scheduling was accepted, sporadic exchanges of information were evident between PHC units and specialized facilities. The coordination role in caregiving was not vested in PHC teams, and activities such as planning and assessment were not assimilated into organizational routines. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of policies for specialized dental care for persons with disabilities relied on the coordination furnished by PHC and the orchestration of planning and assessment endeavors aimed at establishing an integrated care network. This implementation proved subject to the discretionary authority of frontline professionals and organizations, highlighting the significant role of relational and institutional environments in the context of public policy implementation within a decentralized and regionalized healthcare system.

Performance patterns of primary health care in the face of COVID-19 in Brazil: characteristics and contrasts. / Padrões de desempenho da atenção primária à saúde diante da COVID-19 no Brasil: características e contrastes.

The adequate fight against pandemics requires effective coordination between primary health care (PHC) and health surveillance, guaranteed attention to acute and chronic demands, and a bond with the community dimension in the scope of basic health units (UBS, acronym in Portuguese). This study aims to contrast two extreme standards of PHC performance in the fight against COVID-19 in Brazil, comparing them with the profiles of the corresponding municipalities and characteristics of the organization of services. Based on the results of a cross-sectional national survey with a representative sample of UBSs, we created a synthetic index to evaluate how PHC performs against COVID-19 called CPI, composed of axes of health surveillance and social support (collective dimension) and of COVID-19 care and continuity of care (individual dimension). Of the 907 surveyed UBSs, 120 were selected, half of which had the highest indexes (complete standard) and the other half, the lowest ones (restricted standard). The municipalities of the UBSs with a complete standard are predominantly rural, have low Municipal Health Development Index (MHDI), high Family Health Strategy (FHS) coverage, and stand out in the collective dimension, whereas the UBSs in urban municipalities with this same standard have high MHDI, low FHS coverage, and an emphasis on the individual dimension. In the restricted standard, we highlight community health workers' reduced work in the territory. In the Brazilian Northeast, UBSs with complete standard predominate, whereas, in its Southeast, UBSs with restricted standard predominate. The study poses questions that refer to the role and organization of PHC in the health care network under situations that require prompt response to health issues and indicates the greater potential capacity of the FHS program in such situations.

O enfrentamento adequado de pandemias requer forte articulação entre atenção primária à saúde (APS) e vigilância em saúde, atenção garantida às demandas agudas e crônicas e vinculação com a dimensão comunitária no âmbito das unidades básicas de saúde (UBS). O objetivo deste artigo é contrastar dois padrões extremos de desempenho da APS no enfrentamento da COVID-19 no Brasil, cotejando-os com os perfis dos respectivos municípios e características da organização dos serviços. A partir dos resultados de inquérito nacional transversal com amostra representativa das UBS, foi criado um índice sintético de desempenho da APS em relação à COVID-19, denominado CPI, composto pelos eixos de vigilância e apoio social (dimensão coletiva) e de atendimento ao paciente com COVID-19 e continuidade do cuidado (dimensão individual). Das 907 UBS pesquisadas, foram selecionadas 120, sendo a metade com os maiores índices encontrados (padrão completo) e a outra com os menores (padrão restrito). Os municípios das UBS com padrão completo são preponderantemente rurais, com baixo Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM), alta cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) e destacam-se na dimensão coletiva, enquanto as UBS nesse mesmo padrão situadas em municípios urbanos apresentam alto IDHM, baixa cobertura de ESF, com ênfase na dimensão individual. No padrão restrito, destaca-se a reduzida atuação de agentes comunitários de saúde no território. Na Região Nordeste, predominam UBS com padrão completo, enquanto na Sudeste preponderam UBS com padrão restrito. O estudo apresenta questões que remetem ao papel e à organização da APS na rede de cuidados em situações que requerem pronta resposta aos agravos de saúde e indica maior capacidade potencial da ESF em tais situações.

El enfrentamiento adecuado de las pandemias requiere una fuerte articulación entre atención primaria de salud (APS) y la vigilancia en salud, una atención garantizada a las demandas agudas y crónicas y la vinculación con la dimensión comunitaria en el ámbito de las unidades básicas de salud (UBS). El objetivo de este artículo es contrastar dos patrones extremos de desempeño de la APS en el enfrentamiento del COVID-19 en Brasil, comparándolos con los perfiles de los respectivos municipios y características de la organización de los servicios. A partir de los resultados de una encuesta nacional transversal con una muestra representativa de las UBS fue creado un índice sintético de desempeño de la APS frente al COVID-19, denominado CPI, compuesto por los ejes de vigilancia y apoyo social (dimensión colectiva) y de atención al COVID-19 y continuidad de la atención (dimensión individual). De las 907 UBS investigadas, se seleccionaron 120, siendo la mitad con los índices más grandes encontrados (estándar completo) y la otra con los más bajos (estándar estricto). Los municipios de las UBS con estándar completo son preponderantemente rurales, con bajo índice de desarrollo humano municipal (IDHM), alta cobertura de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia (ESF) y se destacan en la dimensión colectiva, mientras que las UBS en este mismo estándar situadas en municipios urbanos presentan alto IDHM, baja cobertura de ESF, con énfasis en la dimensión individual. En el estándar estricto, se destaca la reducida actuación de los agentes comunitarios de salud en el territorio. En la región Nordeste predominan las UBS con estándar completo, mientras que en el Sureste predominan las UBS con un estándar estricto. El estudio aporta cuestiones que remiten al papel y organización de la APS en la red de atención en situaciones que requieren respuesta rápida a los problemas de salud e indica una mayor capacidad potencial de la ESF en tales situaciones.

Specialized Rehabilitation Centers (CER) in the SUS and the impact of the covid-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the functioning of Specialized Rehabilitation Centers (CER) in the SUS. METHODS: An analysis of the variation in outpatient production of the CER was carried out based on data from the Outpatient Information System of the Unified Health System (SIA-SUS) from March 2019 to December 2021. Such results were compared with CER managers' perceptions about the impacts of the pandemic on the units, measured by a web survey applied between November 2020 and February 2021. Monthly averages of 247 procedures were calculated, organized into 18 groups, for three periods - year before the pandemic (YBP) and first (YP1) and second (YP2) years of the pandemic. Through the online form, information was collected on: operation and organization of services; post-covid-19 rehabilitation; actions to support the needs of users and professionals; strategies and challenges experienced. RESULTS: There was a 33.3% reduction in the total number of procedures in YP1 compared to YBP. There were no reductions in procedures performed by nurses and for ostomates. There was greater impairment for group activities, visual therapies and home visits. In YP2, there was a recovery of averages in relation to YBP in 11 groups of procedures, with an increase of 104.1% in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. In the answers to the online form, 91.7% of the managers indicate structural and/or organizational changes in the CER, such as: creation of prioritization criteria for assistance; introduction of telerehabilitation; changes in the work process and; provision of professional training. Half of the CER already treated people with covid-19 sequelae, but not all of them had been trained to do so. Limitations in participation and social support for PWD were identified. CONCLUSIONS: There was a severe impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the CER. Added to the damming up of previous demands are those of post-covid-19 users, configuring a challenging picture. It is necessary to strengthen the Care Network for Persons with Disabilities, with expansion and greater integration of services and a more inclusive organization to overcome these challenges.

Doctors' Work in Primary Health Care in remote rural municipalities: where is the territory? / Atuação dos médicos na Atenção Primária à Saúde em municípios rurais remotos: onde está o território?

Resolute and comprehensive health care in remote rural municipalities (RRMs) requires Primary Health Care (PHC) with a strong community dimension anchored in the territory. This paper aims to analyze the performance profile of doctors in PHC, considering their work both in the territory and in PHC units. The perspective of doctors, critical agents in PHC, contributes to understanding whether there is an equitable and comprehensive availability of PHC. A qualitative study was carried out in 27 RRMs, with interviews with 46 Family Health doctors. Content analysis, structuring results in dimensions of arrangements in the performance of doctors in the territories and the organization of activities at the PHC units. Doctors concentrated their activities in the PHC units, primarily in municipal headquarters, with heterogeneous work agreements. Knowledge about the characteristics of the territory and the population was weak, especially those assigned at a considerable distance from municipal headquarters. In the rare work conducted within the territory, an itinerant and/or campaigning model was observed, with the mark of discontinuity. Walk-in patients were prioritized over care actions of follow-up and planning. The findings indicate the need to reinforce interaction with the territory in the provision of PHC services in RRMs.

Uma atenção à saúde resolutiva e integral em municípios rurais remotos (MRR) cobra uma Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) com forte dimensão comunitária, ancorada no território. O artigo visa analisar o perfil de atuação dos médicos na APS, considerando seu trabalho tanto no território quanto na unidade básica de saúde (UBS). A perspectiva dos médicos, agentes críticos na APS, contribui para compreender se ocorre oferta equânime e integral da APS. Foi realizado estudo qualitativo em 27 MRR, com entrevista a 46 médicos da Saúde da Família. Análise de conteúdo, estruturando-se os resultados nas dimensões de arranjos na atuação dos médicos nos territórios e organização das atividades na UBS. Os médicos centravam suas atividades nas UBS, principalmente nas sedes dos MRR com acordos de trabalho heterogêneos. O conhecimento sobre características do território e da população era frágil, sobretudo aqueles adscritos longe das sedes municipais. Nas raras ações no território, observou-se um modelo itinerante e/ou campanhista, com a marca da descontinuidade. A demanda espontânea foi priorizada em detrimento de ações de acompanhamento e planejamento do cuidado. Os achados indicam a necessidade de se reforçar a interação com o território na oferta de serviços de APS em MRR.

Atuação dos médicos na Atenção Primária à Saúde em municípios rurais remotos: onde está o território? / Doctors' Work in Primary Health Care in remote rural municipalities: where is the territory?

Resumo Uma atenção à saúde resolutiva e integral em municípios rurais remotos (MRR) cobra uma Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) com forte dimensão comunitária, ancorada no território. O artigo visa analisar o perfil de atuação dos médicos na APS, considerando seu trabalho tanto no território quanto na unidade básica de saúde (UBS). A perspectiva dos médicos, agentes críticos na APS, contribui para compreender se ocorre oferta equânime e integral da APS. Foi realizado estudo qualitativo em 27 MRR, com entrevista a 46 médicos da Saúde da Família. Análise de conteúdo, estruturando-se os resultados nas dimensões de arranjos na atuação dos médicos nos territórios e organização das atividades na UBS. Os médicos centravam suas atividades nas UBS, principalmente nas sedes dos MRR com acordos de trabalho heterogêneos. O conhecimento sobre características do território e da população era frágil, sobretudo aqueles adscritos longe das sedes municipais. Nas raras ações no território, observou-se um modelo itinerante e/ou campanhista, com a marca da descontinuidade. A demanda espontânea foi priorizada em detrimento de ações de acompanhamento e planejamento do cuidado. Os achados indicam a necessidade de se reforçar a interação com o território na oferta de serviços de APS em MRR.

Abstract Resolute and comprehensive health care in remote rural municipalities (RRMs) requires Primary Health Care (PHC) with a strong community dimension anchored in the territory. This paper aims to analyze the performance profile of doctors in PHC, considering their work both in the territory and in PHC units. The perspective of doctors, critical agents in PHC, contributes to understanding whether there is an equitable and comprehensive availability of PHC. A qualitative study was carried out in 27 RRMs, with interviews with 46 Family Health doctors. Content analysis, structuring results in dimensions of arrangements in the performance of doctors in the territories and the organization of activities at the PHC units. Doctors concentrated their activities in the PHC units, primarily in municipal headquarters, with heterogeneous work agreements. Knowledge about the characteristics of the territory and the population was weak, especially those assigned at a considerable distance from municipal headquarters. In the rare work conducted within the territory, an itinerant and/or campaigning model was observed, with the mark of discontinuity. Walk-in patients were prioritized over care actions of follow-up and planning. The findings indicate the need to reinforce interaction with the territory in the provision of PHC services in RRMs.

Desafios para a implementação da Rede de Cuidados à Pessoa com Deficiência em uma região de saúde: um olhar a partir das dimensões política, organização e estrutura / Challenges for the implementation of the Care Network for Persons with Disabilities in a health region: a look from the dimensions policy, organization, and structure

Resumo Pessoas com deficiência (PCD) vivenciam profundas desigualdades sociais e no acesso à saúde. A Rede de Cuidados à Pessoa com Deficiência (RCPD) foi instituída em 2012, com o objetivo de melhorar esse acesso de forma equânime e igualitária. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a implementação e os condicionantes da RCPD na região de saúde de São José do Rio Preto. Este é um estudo de caso exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, ancorado no instrumental de análise de políticas públicas. As dimensões política, organização e estrutura nortearam a análise dos resultados. Foram realizadas entrevistas com 37 atores-chave da gestão, prestadores e da sociedade. O Ministério da Saúde é considerado protagonista pela definição da política e repasse de recursos financeiros. O ente estadual é prestador de serviços e conciliador de demandas municipais através do grupo condutor da RCPD. A inexistência de um sistema de regulação assistencial é um entrave para a organização da rede. Serviços contratualizados decidem quem terá acesso a seu atendimento, não respeitando fluxos pactuados. A estrutura dos serviços de reabilitação, com exceção do Centro Especializado em Reabilitação, não foi orientada pelas necessidades de saúde, mas pela existência dos serviços no território. Evidenciam-se barreiras para a garantia do direito à saúde que perpetuam desigualdades vividas pelas PCD.

Abstract People with Disabilities (PWD) experience profound inequalities both social and in the access to health. The Care Network for Persons with Disabilities (Rede de Cuidados à Pessoa com Deficiência, RCPD) was established in 2012, with the goal of improving this access in an equitable and equal manner. This article aims to analyze the implementation and constraints of the implementation and the conditionings of the RCPD in the health region of São José do Rio Preto. This is an exploratory case study, of qualitative and quantitative approach, anchored in the instrumental of public policy analysis. The dimensions of policy, organization, and structure guided the analysis of results. Interviews were conducted with 37 key players from management, providers, and society. The Ministry of Health is considered the protagonist in defining policy and transferring financial resources. The state agency is the service provider and conciliator of municipal demands by the RCPD leading group. The lack of an assistance regulation system is an obstacle to the network organization. Contracted services decide who will have access to care, not respecting agreed flows. The structure of rehabilitation services, with the exception of the Specialized Rehabilitation Center, was not guided by health needs but by the existence of services in the territory. Barriers to guaranteeing the right to health are evident, perpetuating the inequalities experienced by the PWD.

Padrões de desempenho da atenção primária à saúde diante da COVID-19 no Brasil: características e contrastes / Estándares de desempeño de la atención primaria de salud frente al COVID-19 en Brasil: características y contrastes / Performance patterns of primary health care in the face of COVID-19 in Brazil: characteristics and contrasts

O enfrentamento adequado de pandemias requer forte articulação entre atenção primária à saúde (APS) e vigilância em saúde, atenção garantida às demandas agudas e crônicas e vinculação com a dimensão comunitária no âmbito das unidades básicas de saúde (UBS). O objetivo deste artigo é contrastar dois padrões extremos de desempenho da APS no enfrentamento da COVID-19 no Brasil, cotejando-os com os perfis dos respectivos municípios e características da organização dos serviços. A partir dos resultados de inquérito nacional transversal com amostra representativa das UBS, foi criado um índice sintético de desempenho da APS em relação à COVID-19, denominado CPI, composto pelos eixos de vigilância e apoio social (dimensão coletiva) e de atendimento ao paciente com COVID-19 e continuidade do cuidado (dimensão individual). Das 907 UBS pesquisadas, foram selecionadas 120, sendo a metade com os maiores índices encontrados (padrão completo) e a outra com os menores (padrão restrito). Os municípios das UBS com padrão completo são preponderantemente rurais, com baixo Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM), alta cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) e destacam-se na dimensão coletiva, enquanto as UBS nesse mesmo padrão situadas em municípios urbanos apresentam alto IDHM, baixa cobertura de ESF, com ênfase na dimensão individual. No padrão restrito, destaca-se a reduzida atuação de agentes comunitários de saúde no território. Na Região Nordeste, predominam UBS com padrão completo, enquanto na Sudeste preponderam UBS com padrão restrito. O estudo apresenta questões que remetem ao papel e à organização da APS na rede de cuidados em situações que requerem pronta resposta aos agravos de saúde e indica maior capacidade potencial da ESF em tais situações.

El enfrentamiento adecuado de las pandemias requiere una fuerte articulación entre atención primaria de salud (APS) y la vigilancia en salud, una atención garantizada a las demandas agudas y crónicas y la vinculación con la dimensión comunitaria en el ámbito de las unidades básicas de salud (UBS). El objetivo de este artículo es contrastar dos patrones extremos de desempeño de la APS en el enfrentamiento del COVID-19 en Brasil, comparándolos con los perfiles de los respectivos municipios y características de la organización de los servicios. A partir de los resultados de una encuesta nacional transversal con una muestra representativa de las UBS fue creado un índice sintético de desempeño de la APS frente al COVID-19, denominado CPI, compuesto por los ejes de vigilancia y apoyo social (dimensión colectiva) y de atención al COVID-19 y continuidad de la atención (dimensión individual). De las 907 UBS investigadas, se seleccionaron 120, siendo la mitad con los índices más grandes encontrados (estándar completo) y la otra con los más bajos (estándar estricto). Los municipios de las UBS con estándar completo son preponderantemente rurales, con bajo índice de desarrollo humano municipal (IDHM), alta cobertura de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia (ESF) y se destacan en la dimensión colectiva, mientras que las UBS en este mismo estándar situadas en municipios urbanos presentan alto IDHM, baja cobertura de ESF, con énfasis en la dimensión individual. En el estándar estricto, se destaca la reducida actuación de los agentes comunitarios de salud en el territorio. En la región Nordeste predominan las UBS con estándar completo, mientras que en el Sureste predominan las UBS con un estándar estricto. El estudio aporta cuestiones que remiten al papel y organización de la APS en la red de atención en situaciones que requieren respuesta rápida a los problemas de salud e indica una mayor capacidad potencial de la ESF en tales situaciones.

The adequate fight against pandemics requires effective coordination between primary health care (PHC) and health surveillance, guaranteed attention to acute and chronic demands, and a bond with the community dimension in the scope of basic health units (UBS, acronym in Portuguese). This study aims to contrast two extreme standards of PHC performance in the fight against COVID-19 in Brazil, comparing them with the profiles of the corresponding municipalities and characteristics of the organization of services. Based on the results of a cross-sectional national survey with a representative sample of UBSs, we created a synthetic index to evaluate how PHC performs against COVID-19 called CPI, composed of axes of health surveillance and social support (collective dimension) and of COVID-19 care and continuity of care (individual dimension). Of the 907 surveyed UBSs, 120 were selected, half of which had the highest indexes (complete standard) and the other half, the lowest ones (restricted standard). The municipalities of the UBSs with a complete standard are predominantly rural, have low Municipal Health Development Index (MHDI), high Family Health Strategy (FHS) coverage, and stand out in the collective dimension, whereas the UBSs in urban municipalities with this same standard have high MHDI, low FHS coverage, and an emphasis on the individual dimension. In the restricted standard, we highlight community health workers' reduced work in the territory. In the Brazilian Northeast, UBSs with complete standard predominate, whereas, in its Southeast, UBSs with restricted standard predominate. The study poses questions that refer to the role and organization of PHC in the health care network under situations that require prompt response to health issues and indicates the greater potential capacity of the FHS program in such situations.

Invisibilidade das singularidades amazônicas na organização e oferta de serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS): Estudo de caso na área rural ribeirinha de Manaus (AM) / The invisibility of Amazonian singularities in the design and delivery of Primary Health Care (PHC) services: A case study in the rural riverside area of Manaus (AM)

Resumo A região amazônica abrange um território heterogêneo com características geográficas específicas, abrigando diversas populações vulnerabilizadas, o que exige dos serviços de saúde o desenvolvimento de habilidades e inovações. Entretanto, as respostas a esses desafios se tornam ainda mais distantes diante de uma lógica mercadológica, que tende a invisibilizar diferenças e privilegiar determinados territórios. Nesse cenário, este estudo analisou a implementação de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde Fluvial, buscando compreender como estão incluídas as necessidades e singularidades do meio rural ribeirinho no planejamento e execução dos serviços de saúde. Para isso, foram realizadas entrevistas com gestores e profissionais, além da observação do cotidiano dos serviços de saúde. Os resultados demonstram que a previsão de serviços, com formatos e recursos específicos para as áreas fluviais amazônicas, foi uma oportunidade para que as particularidades da região fossem evidenciadas e que mais recursos, inclusive financeiros, fossem previstos para essas localidades. No entanto, evidenciou-se também que os serviços ofertados continuam sendo planejados de forma hierárquica, além de serem organizados e executados visando realidades urbanas, o que aponta a necessidade de adaptações.

Abstract The Amazon region encompasses a heterogenous territory with singular geographic features, that harbous different vulnerable populations, which require the development of abilities and innovations by health services. However, answers to this challenge become even more distant in the face of a marketing logic that tends to make differences invisible and privilege certain territories. In this scenario, our study analyzed the implementation of a Basic River Health Unit (UBSF), seeking to understand how the needs and singularities of riverside rural areas are included in the planning and execution of health services. To that end, interviews with health services managers and professionals and observations of health care professionals during daily activities were carried out. The results showed the forecast of services, with specific formats and resources for the Amazonian fluvial areas, was an opportunity for the specificities of the region to be evidenced and for more resources, including financial ones, being considered for these localities. However, they also showed that the services offered are still planned in a hierarchical way and organized and executed for urban areas, which points to the need for adaptations.

Implementação da Rede de Cuidados à Pessoa com Deficiência: na periferia da governança de São Paulo / Implementation of the Care Network for People with Disabilities: in the periphery of the São Paulo, Brazil, governance

Resumo A Rede de Cuidado à Pessoa com Deficiência (RCPD) foi implementada no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) para expandir o acesso aos serviços às pessoas com deficiência (PCD). Uma vez que seu funcionamento depende de mecanismos robustos de cooperação e pactuação entre os entes federados, este artigo analisa a dinâmica da Comissão Intergestores Bipartite (CIB) de São Paulo na condução da implementação da RCPD. Realizou-se uma análise documental das atas da CIB-SP de 2011 a 2019. O referencial teórico se pautou na análise de políticas públicas, utilizando abordagem multidimensional a partir das dimensões política, estrutura e organização. Na dimensão política, as pautas centrais são referentes à responsabilidade dos entes federados e demandas originárias do Ministério da Saúde e Ministério Público. A dimensão estrutura ocorre prioritariamente por pautas protocolares de informes de credenciamento/descredenciamento. Já na dimensão organização, foram classificadas como centrais: avaliação dos serviços; necessidades populacionais; oferta, fluxos, regulação assistencial e dispensação de órteses, próteses e meios auxiliares. Conclui-se que, quando não induzida por atores externos, a discussão é protocolar, reduzida aos informes de credenciamento de ações e serviços e adquire centralidade com demandas de órgãos externos e com o surgimento de novos problemas de saúde pública.

Abstract The Care Network for People with Disabilities (RCPD) was implemented in the Brazilian National Health System (SUS) to expand the access to services to people with disabilities (PWD). Since its functioning depends on robust cooperation and pact mechanisms between federated states, this article analyzes the dynamic of the Bipartite Inter-manager Commission (CIB) of São Paulo in implementing RCPD. Document analysis of the records of the CIB-SP from 2011 to 2019 was carried out. The theoretical referential was based on the analysis of public policies, using a multidimensional approach from the political, structural, and organizational dimensions. In the political dimension, the main rulings relate to the responsibilities of federated states and demands from the Ministry of Health and Public Ministry. The structural dimension comprises mainly protocol rulings regarding accreditation/de-accreditation. In the organizational dimension, at last, were classified as central: service evaluation; populational needs; offer, flow, regulation of assistance and dispensing of orthotics, prostheses, and auxiliary means. In conclusion, when it is not conducted by external actors, the discussion follows protocol, being reduced to accreditation informs of actions and services and gains centrality with demands from external organs and the emergence of new public health problems.

Dental care for persons with disabilities: discretion on the frontline / Assistência odontológica à pessoa com deficiência: discricionariedade na linha de frente

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To depict the influence of discretionary actions exercised by frontline professionals and organizations on the implementation of diverse modalities of access to specialized dental care within the Care Network for Persons with Disabilities. METHODS A case study conducted in two Brazilian health regions characterized by distinct means of access to specialized dental care employing documentary analysis and interviews with key stakeholders across the period spanning from July to December 2019. RESULTS In the referenced access region, there was a notable centrality of Primary Health Care (PHC) in caregiving, wherein planning and assessment were integral components of institutional routines. Where spontaneous demand scheduling was accepted, sporadic exchanges of information were evident between PHC units and specialized facilities. The coordination role in caregiving was not vested in PHC teams, and activities such as planning and assessment were not assimilated into organizational routines. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of policies for specialized dental care for persons with disabilities relied on the coordination furnished by PHC and the orchestration of planning and assessment endeavors aimed at establishing an integrated care network. This implementation proved subject to the discretionary authority of frontline professionals and organizations, highlighting the significant role of relational and institutional environments in the context of public policy implementation within a decentralized and regionalized healthcare system.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Descrever a influência da discricionariedade dos profissionais e organizações da linha de frente na implementação de diferentes formas de acesso à assistência odontológica especializada na Rede de Cuidados à Pessoa com Deficiência. MÉTODOS Estudo de caso em duas regiões de saúde brasileiras cujo acesso à assistência odontológica especializada era distinto, com análise documental e entrevista com atores-chave, entre julho e dezembro de 2019. RESULTADOS Na região com acesso referenciado, observou-se que a atenção primária à saúde (APS) tinha centralidade no cuidado e o planejamento/avaliação faziam parte da rotina institucional dos serviços. Na região onde o agendamento era possível por demanda espontânea, notou-se trocas episódicas de informação entre as unidades de APS e as especializadas; o papel de coordenação do cuidado não era um atributo das equipes de APS e as atividades de planejamento/avaliação não estavam incorporadas à rotina das organizações. CONCLUSÕES A implementação da política de assistência odontológica especializada à pessoa com deficiência se mostrou dependente da coordenação da APS e da condução de atividades de planejamento/avaliação voltadas à construção de uma rede de cuidados integrada e sujeita ao poder discricionário dos profissionais e das organizações da linha de frente, sugerindo que o ambiente relacional e institucional possui um papel importante no processo de implementação de políticas públicas em um sistema descentralizado e regionalizado de saúde.

A Atenção Primária à Saúde e o cuidado aos usuários com COVID-19 nas regiões brasileiras / Primary Health Care and COVID-19 patient care across regions in Brazil

Resumo O objetivo foi caracterizar a atuação da atenção primária à saúde (APS) no cuidado aos usuários com COVID-19, identificando fatores facilitadores e os constrangimentos para a resposta das equipes de APS no enfrentamento à pandemia. Estudo transversal com amostra representativa das unidades básicas de saúde (UBS) brasileiras, na forma de inquérito. Participaram do estudo 907 UBS das cinco regiões do país. A coleta de dados foi entre julho e novembro de 2021, por meio de questionário on-line. Os resultados mostram que as UBS das regiões Sul e Sudeste tiveram melhores condições de enfrentamento da pandemia em termos de equipamentos de proteção e estrutura de comunicação e as UBS das regiões Norte e Nordeste tiveram melhor desempenho nas ações relacionadas à vigilância em saúde, atividades educativas, busca ativa de contatos, monitoramento de casos e notificação no sistema de vigilância de síndrome gripal. O processo de vacinação contra a COVID-19 ocorria em 70% das UBS em nível nacional, 28% tiveram que suspender a vacinação da primeira dose por falta do imunizante e 25% da segunda dose. Conclui-se que a APS brasileira realizou importante trabalho no enfrentamento à pandemia apesar das dificuldades decorrentes da ausência de uma coordenação nacional.

Abstract The aim of this study was to describe the role of PHC in the delivery of care to COVID-19 patients, identifying facilitating factors and constraints to the response of PHC teams to the pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional survey-based study with a nationally representative sample of primary health care centers (PCCs). A total of 907 PCCs from the country's five regions participated in the study. Data was collected between July and November 2021 using an online survey. The results show that PCCs in the South and Southeast were better prepared to respond to the pandemic in terms of availability of personal protective equipment and communications facilities, while PCCs in the North and Northeast performed better for health surveillance actions, educational activities, contact tracing, case monitoring and notification of cases in the influenza surveillance system. Seventy per cent of PCCs administered COVID-19 vaccines at national level and 28% and 25% had to suspend the first and second doses of the vaccine, respectively. The findings show that primary care services played an important role in the response to the pandemic despite challenges caused by the lack of national coordination.

Iniciativas da sociedade e comunidades no apoio social a grupos vulneráveis no território: papel da ESF na pandemia / Civil society and community social support initiatives for vulnerable groups in primary care center catchment areas: the role of the FHS during the pandemic

Resumo A pandemia ressaltou novos e antigos riscos à saúde que demandam ações sanitárias e formas de apoio social. Este artigo analisou o conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde de UBSs sobre iniciativas da sociedade e dos serviços de saúde, articulados ou separadamente na promoção de saúde e apoio social a grupos vulneráveis. Partiu-se da revisão teórica sobre o conceito e sua aplicação e da análise de dados empíricos do estudo multidimensional "Desafios à APS no enfrentamento da COVID-19", de desenho transversal, com amostra representativa das UBSs brasileiras, em nível nacional e regional. Gerou-se escore a partir de variáveis selecionadas e agregadas e estimou-se proporções de ações selecionadas e IC (95%), no Brasil e suas regiões. Ações a partir das UBSs e da população mostraram-se heterogêneas entre as regiões, sendo significativamente mais frequentes na região NE e em municípios não urbanos e de menor IDH, associando-se às ações desenvolvidas no território pelos ACS. Identificaram-se desafios, lacunas e necessidade de novas investigações; amplificação da magnitude e escopo de ações intra/intersetoriais; fortalecimento de laços entre diferentes atores e reversão dos efeitos da pandemia que aprofundaram desigualdades e iniquidades em saúde.

Abstract The pandemic highlighted new and old health risks that require health actions and social support. This study analyzed the knowledge of health professionals working in primary health care centers (PHCCs) regarding civil society and health service separately or along with health promotion and social support initiatives targeting vulnerable groups. The article begins by discussing the concept of social support and then goes on to present an analysis of empirical data from the multidimensional cross-sectional study "Challenges facing primary health care in the response to COVID-19 in the SUS", conducted using a nationally representative sample of PHCCs. Scores were calculated for selected and aggregated variables, and we calculated percentages for selected actions together with 95% confidence intervals at national and regional level. The percentage of PHCCs that supported actions and where the local community developed initiatives in the catchment area varied across regions, with rates being significantly higher in the Northeast and in non-urban municipalities with low MHDI, which was associated with actions developed in the catchment area by community health workers. The findings reveal several gaps and challenges, including the need to amplify the magnitude and scope of intra and intersectoral actions, strengthen ties between different actors, reverse the effects of the pandemic on health inequities and promote further research.

Specialized Rehabilitation Centers (CER) in the SUS and the impact of the covid-19 pandemic / Centros Especializados em Reabilitação (CER) no SUS e o impacto da pandemia de covid-19

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the functioning of Specialized Rehabilitation Centers (CER) in the SUS. METHODS An analysis of the variation in outpatient production of the CER was carried out based on data from the Outpatient Information System of the Unified Health System (SIA-SUS) from March 2019 to December 2021. Such results were compared with CER managers' perceptions about the impacts of the pandemic on the units, measured by a web survey applied between November 2020 and February 2021. Monthly averages of 247 procedures were calculated, organized into 18 groups, for three periods - year before the pandemic (YBP) and first (YP1) and second (YP2) years of the pandemic. Through the online form, information was collected on: operation and organization of services; post-covid-19 rehabilitation; actions to support the needs of users and professionals; strategies and challenges experienced. RESULTS There was a 33.3% reduction in the total number of procedures in YP1 compared to YBP. There were no reductions in procedures performed by nurses and for ostomates. There was greater impairment for group activities, visual therapies and home visits. In YP2, there was a recovery of averages in relation to YBP in 11 groups of procedures, with an increase of 104.1% in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. In the answers to the online form, 91.7% of the managers indicate structural and/or organizational changes in the CER, such as: creation of prioritization criteria for assistance; introduction of telerehabilitation; changes in the work process and; provision of professional training. Half of the CER already treated people with covid-19 sequelae, but not all of them had been trained to do so. Limitations in participation and social support for PWD were identified. CONCLUSIONS There was a severe impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the CER. Added to the damming up of previous demands are those of post-covid-19 users, configuring a challenging picture. It is necessary to strengthen the Care Network for Persons with Disabilities, with expansion and greater integration of services and a more inclusive organization to overcome these challenges.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar o impacto da pandemia de covid-19 no funcionamento dos Centros Especializados em Reabilitação (CER) no SUS. MÉTODOS Realizou-se análise da variação da produção ambulatorial dos CER com base nos dados do Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIA-SUS) no período de março de 2019 a dezembro de 2021. Tais resultados foram cotejados com as percepções de gestores de CER acerca dos impactos da pandemia nas unidades, aferidas por websurvey aplicado entre novembro de 2020 e fevereiro de 2021. Foram calculadas as médias mensais de 247 procedimentos, organizados em 18 grupos, para três períodos - ano anterior à pandemia (APP), primeiro (AP1) e segundo (AP2) anos de pandemia. Por meio do formulário on-line foram coletadas informações sobre: funcionamento e organização dos serviços; reabilitação pós-covid-19; ações de apoio às necessidades de usuários e profissionais; estratégias e desafios vivenciados. RESULTADOS Houve redução de 33,3% do total de procedimentos em AP1 em relação a APP. Não foram reduzidos procedimentos realizados por enfermeiros e para pessoas ostomizadas. Ocorreu maior prejuízo para atividades em grupo, terapias visuais e visitas domiciliares. Em AP2, houve recuperação das médias em relação a APP em 11 grupos de procedimentos, com aumento de 104,1% de Fisioterapia Cardiorrespiratória. Nas respostas ao formulário on-line, 91,7% dos gestores indicam mudanças estruturais e/ou organizacionais nos CER como: criação de critérios de priorização para atendimentos; introdução de telerreabilitação; modificações no processo de trabalho e; disponibilização de capacitações profissionais. Metade dos CER já atendiam pessoas com sequelas de covid-19, mas nem todos haviam sido instrumentalizados para tanto. Identificaram-se limitações na participação e no suporte social para PCD. CONCLUSÕES Houve severo impacto da pandemia de covid-19 nos CER. Ao represamento de demandas prévias se somam aquelas de usuários pós-covid-19, configurando um quadro desafiador. Faz-se necessário fortalecimento da Rede de Cuidados à Pessoa com Deficiência, com ampliação e maior integração dos serviços e organização mais inclusiva para a superação desses desafios.

Cuidado fragmentado: resposta da Rede de Cuidados à Pessoa com Deficiência para crianças com Síndrome Congênita do Zika Vírus / Fragmented care: the response of the Persons with Disabilities Care Network to children with Congenital Zika Syndrome / Cuidado fragmentado: respuesta de la Red de Cuidados de la Persona con Discapacidad para niños con Síndrome Congénito del Zika Virus

Resumo O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a organização e estrutura que a Rede de Cuidados à Pessoa com Deficiência (RCPD) oferece às crianças com Síndrome Congênita do Zika Vírus (SCZV) na Região de Saúde de Salvador (BA). Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa que cotejou Itinerários Terapêuticos, das crianças com SCZV com a percepção, de gestores e profissionais da RCPD, sobre o funcionamento da rede. Ainda que existam concordâncias entre entrevistados, há problemas evidenciados somente pelas cuidadoras. Não existem mecanismos de regulação assistencial definidos entre os serviços da RCPD, levando as cuidadoras a navegarem pelo sistema de forma desgovernada em busca de assistência. A fragmentação do cuidado revelada impede o cuidado continuado e coordenado entre os diferentes serviços de saúde, resultando em intervenções pontuais. A SCZV coloca a proposta de RCPD em xeque, uma vez que há pouca congruência entre as trajetórias percorridas e a política nacional instituída.(AU)

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the organization and structure that the Persons with Disabilities Care Network (RCPD) offers children with Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) in the Salvador Health Region (BA). We conducted a qualitative study to investigate the experiences of the children's caregivers based on therapeutic itineraries and the perceptions of RCPD managers and professionals. Despite general agreement between the interviewees, only the caregivers highlighted problems. There are no health care regulation defined among the RCPD services, meaning that caregivers had to browse the system aimlessly to search for care. The fragmentation of care revealed by the findings prevents the provision of continuous care coordinated between the different health services, resulting in ad hoc care interventions. CZS highlights the limitations of the RCPD, demonstrating the incongruence between practice and national policy.(AU)

Resumen Analizar la organización y estructura que la Red de Cuidados de la Persona con Discapacidad (RCPD) ofrece a los niños con Síndrome Congénito del Zika Virus (SCZV) en la Región de Salud de Salvador (Estado de Bahia). Investigación cualitativa que compara la experiencia de las cuidadoras de los niños con SCZV por medio de Itinerarios Terapéuticos y la percepción de gestores y profesionales de la RCPD. Aunque existen concordancias entre entrevistados, hay problemas que solamente son puestos en evidencia por las cuidadoras. No hay mecanismos de reglamentación asistencial definidos entre los servicios de la RCPD, haciendo que las cuidadoras naveguen por el sistema de manera desgobernada en busca de asistencia. La fragmentación del cuidado revelada impide el cuidado continuado y coordinado entre los diferentes servicios de salud, resultando en intervenciones puntuales. El SCZV pone en jaque la propuesta de RCPD puesto que hay poca congruencia entre las trayectorias recorridas y la política nacional instituida.(AU)