Accesibilidad a los servicios públicos de salud: La visión de los usuarios de la estrategia salud de la familia

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate, from the perspective of the user, accessibility to primary health care of the population enrolled in the Family Health Program in Campina Grande, Paraiba, Brazil, establishing its relationship with the quality and use of health services. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study in 20 family health units. For data collection it was used a structured questionnaire with questions about user's perception on the use, accessibility and quality of services provided. Results: The indicators of socio-organizational accessibility, the waiting time for an appointment, the waiting time to be served in the consultation and the delay time between the appointment and the care, were reported as inadequate by approximately one third of informants. The shift to walk to health facilities was highlighted. Indicators of socio-organizational accessibility showed a statistically significant association with both the perception of service quality as with the use of health services. Conclusion: The quality of health services available and their use is directly related to the times ranging from waiting for an appointment and the care provided. ©Servicio de Publicaciones - Universidad de Murcia.