Perception of managers on the use of indicators in health services

Abstract

Health indicators reflect the population health status true picture. Its use can guide health managers for planning and controlling interventions. This study aims to describe the managers' perception of health facilities concerning the health indicators use in the planning and control of actions performed at their health units. A descriptive study was conducted by interviewing the health facilities managers using a qualitative analysis approach, in the subprefecture of Aricanduva. The methodological resource of discourse contents thematic analysis was used to the results. The managers' speeches segments were grouped by themes. Health indicators are underutilized by managers in their actions planning and control services. The health information systems are perceived as bureaucratic and technical instruments by managers. The managers mentioned some barriers in relation to the access to health information. The slowness of the systems was considered the most important barrier, followed by the small number of professionals trained to operate the system, the lack of opportunities for training and updating professionals, as well as a poor integration between systems. Most managers are not fully qualified as health indicators users in their actions' planning and management. The institutional resources provision is recommended to allow a more effective use of the health indicators as a management tool for public health units.