Comprehensiveness in practice (or, on the practice of comprehensiveness)

Abstract

This article reflects on the manifestations or signs of comprehensiveness in health practice, seeking to facilitate recognition of experiences that are advancing in this direction and allowing them to be analyzed subsequently. The article is also intended to spawn increasing involvement by actors in practices based on comprehensiveness. The point of departure is the principle that what characterizes comprehensiveness is an expanded grasp of the needs and ability to recognize the adequacy of the health care supply in the specific context where the subject meets the health team; in addition, to foster comprehensiveness means defending the notion that health actions be attuned to the specific context of each encounter.