Um olhar sobre a saúde no Sertão Paraibano: estudo preliminar de um Hospital Oncológico em Paulista, na Paraíba.

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, currently pose a major challenge to public health in Brazil. According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA, 2011), “cancer is one of the most complex public health problems faced by the Brazilian health system, due to its epidemiological, social, and economic magnitude”. Therefore, the prevention and control of the disease are priorities in the Ministry of Health’s Health Agenda. In the interior of Paraíba, the lack of adequate hospital infrastructure and the need for long-distance travels to obtain treatment exacerbate the situation of oncology patients, directly impacting their quality of life and prognosis. In this context, humanized hospital architecture emerges as a strategic tool to improve not only access to healthcare but also the reception and well-being of users. In light of this issue, the present work aims to develop a preliminary architectural proposal for an Oncology Hospital in the city of Paulista, in the interior of the state of Paraíba, seeking to decentralize specialized care and promote humanization in hospital treatment. To this end, a historical survey of national and international hospital architecture was carried out, identifying how the need for user-centered experiences within these environments has evolved over time. Subsequently, using a project-based investigative approach, the urban and social aspects of the project’s location were analyzed, followed by the design exercise supported by the previous discussions. Thus, this work culminates in a preliminary architectural proposal for a healthcare facility that contributes to expanding knowledge in the field of hospital architecture and proposes a concrete solution for improving public health infrastructure in the interior of Paraíba.