Users’ assessment of the work by the Expanded Family Health and Basic Healthcare Centers (NASF-AB) according to attributes of primary care

Abstract:

The study aimed to evaluate the work by the Expanded Family Health and Basic Healthcare Centers (NASF-AB), from the users’ perspective, based on the attributes of comprehensive primary healthcare (PHC). This was a qualitative multiple case study conducted in six municipalities (counties) in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The theoretical and methodological frame of reference was an evaluative matrix based on the following attributes: access, longitudinality, and comprehensiveness. The matrix also considered the assumption of Inter-Consultation Support and the guidelines of the Family Health Strategy. Data and information were obtained from 44 interviews with users of the NASF-AB and observation of the centers’ activities and routine work in the health units. The study showed that users have limited access to the NASF-ABs’ activities. The availability of clinical care was insufficient, access was facilitated by home visits, and the acceptability was jeopardized by frustrations from unmet expectations. Longitudinal care has not been prioritized in the centers’ work, with limited involvement by supporters in developing continuing care. Group activities showed the potential for forming bonds. In the attribute of comprehensiveness, the presence of NASF-ABs helped increase activities and case-resolution capacity, but the linkage with the healthcare network was negligible. In conclusion, the work by the NASF-AB displayed limitations for the development of comprehensive PHC. The results also suggest potentialities with the capacity to strengthen primary care that have not been fully explored.

Keywords:
Primary Health Care; Patient Care Team; Health Evaluation; Heath Policy; Unified Health System