ANALYSIS OF THE CARE NETWORK FOR STROKE IN THE BRAZILIAN MESOREGION OF VALE DO JEQUITINHONHA

Abstract

Regional health planning involves pacts made by managers and coordinated by regional health offices. The success of the agreed policies can be measured by tertiary care services, which provide indicators of the solvability of the system. Data obtained in this manner enable us to analyze the implementation process of the care network for stroke. Qualitative and quantitative methodology were used to perform document content analysis and subsequently, to determine the health policies related to stroke in the Brazilian mesoregion of Vale do Jequitinhonha (Minas Gerais). Hospital records of patients who had been hospitalized for stroke in the period of 2010-2013 were obtained from a reference hospital in the abovementioned mesoregion. These records represented the indicator parameters. The existence of regional policies related to stroke was confirmed, although the theme is discussed in a fragmented manner in management circles. Hospitalization due to stroke increased between 2010 (209 patients) and 2011 (342 patients), before stabilizing in 2012. This increase in hospitalizations was correlated with improvements in access, the definition of care centers and the accreditation of highly complex services in the region during this period. In conclusion, policies that affect the care network for stroke patients are addressed in management meetings. This regionalized planning promotes the completeness and universality of health access.