Care pathways in an interstate health care network: challenges in guaranteeing care and the need to strengthen regionalization (abstract: p. 19)

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative case study was to analyze a cancer care pathway that is representative of patient pathways in the Pernambuco/Bahia Interstate Health Care Network (PE/BA Network). The case presented is that of a patient called “Swallow”, which is a migratory bird. The data were collected using interviews and field diaries and analyzed using thematic content analysis. The results reveal the following: strong presence of 'lay action'; difficulty accessing appointments with a specialist and diagnostic support tests; public-private service composition; responsiveness of the care social support network; and fragility of health care scheduling and interstate care. The case highlights the need to restructure cancer care in the PE/BA Network and strengthen the regionalization of health care provision.