ANÁLISE DE ESTRATÉGIA PARA APLICAÇÃO DE SISTEMA ELETRÔNICO NA REFERÊNCIA E CONTRARREFERÊNCIA NOS SERVIÇOS DE SAÚDE

Abstract

Objective: analyzing strategies for the implementation of reference and counter reference system electronically in health services. Methods: among the strategies was greater integration between Primary Health Care and other levels of care through better communication among doctors. In the study involved three Family Health Units. One of them worked as a routine service, and the other two interventions were performed: encouragement and guidance to professionals and patients. In one, it was made available the system of reference and counter reference computerized. We evaluated the number of referrals of patients to medical specialists and counter reference the Family Health Units referral source. Results: during the study period the rate of referrals was 8.56%. The time for expert consultation ranged from 1 to 90 days after the issuance of the reference forwarding, and the patient return time to the Health Unit of origin was 6-110 days. The study also showed that were requested and scheduled further consultations in the Family Health Units of the Intervention. Conclusions: the study confirmed flaws in the system, such as people's access difficulties to specialists and low number of return patients referred to Health Units of origin. It was also verified that guidance and encouragement to professionals and patients positively influence the return of these and counter-reference, and that it is feasible to implement the system of reference and counter reference electronically in the Health Units.

Keywords

• Primary Health Care
• Reference and counter reference
• Technology in Health