Access to public health services in a borderline area between two cities

Authors

  • Andréa Maria Duarte Vargas UFMG; Faculdade de Odontologia
  • Efigênia Ferreira e Ferreira UFMG; Faculdade de Odontologia
  • Flávio de Freitas Mattos UFMG; Faculdade de Odontologia
  • Mara Vasconcelos UFMG; Faculdade de Odontologia
  • Marisa Maia Drumond UFMG; Faculdade de Odontologia
  • Simone Dutra Lucas UFMG; Faculdade de Odontologia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-12902011000300024

Keywords:

Community Participation, Health Services Accessibility, Cities

Abstract

This study analyses access to health services. The concept of access is described as a characteristic of the health services and it may be approached in different ways. Therefore, access to health services must be determined by each Primary Care Unit with the participation of local staff and the community. The qualitative methodology was employed through action research, and data collection was conducted through interviews and focus groups. The study was conducted with the managers of two primary care units " Confisco, in Belo Horizonte, and Estrela Dalva, in Contagem -, and dwellers in the units' catchment area. The community's access to health services was difficult for it was a borderline area between two cities. Although the study lasted two years, doubts remain about whether it contributed to improve the access of the population, due to political matters involving the topic. However, all problems detected during the research were presented and debated with the administrators of both cities.

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Published

2011-01-01

Issue

Section

Part II - Report on Experience

How to Cite

Access to public health services in a borderline area between two cities . (2011). Saúde E Sociedade, 20(3), 821-828. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-12902011000300024