Acesso e acessibilidade à estratégia de saúde da família : um estudo de caso

Abstract

Primary Health Care (PHC) is recognized as the main gateway to health systems and plays a fundamental role in organizing care, promoting health, and coordinating actions within Health Care Networks. In Brazil, the creation of the Unified Health System (SUS) and the implementation of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) have contributed to expanding access to health services and improving health indicators. However, significant challenges remain regarding access and accessibility to Primary Health Care services, especially in territories marked by social inequalities and structural limitations. Access to health services is understood by Aday and Andersen (1974) as a dimension related to both population characteristics and the organization of health services, while accessibility refers to the ease with which individuals are able to use these services, as proposed by Donabedian (1988). In this context, this study aimed to analyze access and accessibility to services provided by a Family Health Unit located in the municipality of Camaragibe, Pernambuco, Brazil. This is a qualitative case study using Bardin’s content analysis technique. The study participants included health professionals from the team and users registered at the unit, who took part through semi-structured interviews. The results showed that welcoming practices, the bond established between professionals and users, and the work of Community Health Workers constitute important strategies for mediating and organizing access within the studied unit. On the other hand, limitations related to infrastructure, availability of professionals, organization of the health care network, and territorial barriers that hinder timely access to services were also identified. It is concluded that, although there have been advances in the organization of care and in expanding access to services, structural and organizational challenges remain, requiring interventions aimed at strengthening Primary Health Care and improving the Health Care Network in order to promote equity and improve the quality of care provided to the population.