Primary health care services assessment in tuberculosis treatment, São José do Rio Preto, 2011

Abstract

Decentralization and incorporation of tuberculosis (TB) control by primary care services has been occurring gradually once that these services' organization is considered to be strategic for the disease management. However, the epidemiological results achieved are still far from those recommended by the Ministry of Health (MOH). The aim of this study is to assess primary care services for the treatment of TB patients in Sao Jose do Rio Preto, 2011. This is a descriptive epidemiological study, exploratory. Units of observation will be the primary care services in the county. Documentary analysis of records, books and forms for monitoring patients will be conducted for data collection, as well as surveys at the TB-WEB system and also by application of an instrument to key informants (health professionals involved in the treatment of TB patients in these services). The instrument was developed based on the definitions of the quality assessment of health care' components: structure, process and outcome. Scores were assigned into different weights to evaluation categories and their respective questions. To verify the adequacy and accuracy of items and its scores the instrument will undergo a validation of content. Services will be rated as satisfactory or unsatisfactory according to its structure, provided attention and results. Data analysis will be conducted through exploratory analysis (distribution of absolute and relative frequencies) and chi-square or Fisher's exact test. The study is relevant as it allows the analysis of incorporation of TB treatment actions by primary health care services in Sao Jose do Rio Preto in order to provide support for the improvement and qualification of patient care. (AU)