Actors, spaces and instruments of governance in the oral health network

Abstract

This article analyzes the relationship between actors, spaces and instruments of governance in the oral health network in a health region in the state of Paraná, Brazil. We conducted a qualitative study in which 13 semi-structured interviews were conducted using snowball sampling. The data were analyzed using discourse analysis drawing on theoretical perspectives on governance. The findings revealed the absence of non-governmental actors in the process and lack of capacity of the municipal government for the management of public affairs. Relationships between the services were largely informal. The network was regarded as peripheral, given that it had limited presence on the agendas of decision-making spaces, hampering the construction of regional relations. It is necessary to enhance interactions, articulations and agreements focused on governance in order promote more comprehensive and less fragmented care.