Child care in health services: from opportunity to comprehensive health care

• Grant number: 17/04906-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2017
• End date: September 30, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nursing - Pediatric Nursing
• Principal Investigator: Maria Cândida de Carvalho Furtado
• Grantee: Maria Cândida de Carvalho Furtado
• Host Institution: Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto (EERP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Débora Falleiros de Mello

Abstract

Despite the efforts made on the path of qualified attention to child health and which respond to their demands, health indicators persist in this age group, and reveal the importance of considering how care has been given related to the care access as well as the child opportunity to have their health needs met, and then reduce morbidity and mortality. This study aims to investigate child attention, form the perspective of access to care and comprehensive care, at health services in three municipalities in Brazil; one in southeast region and two in the south region. Therefore, an extend look to the child is taken, with special attention to health indicators such as infant mortality and immunization, as well as access to health actions, based on early identification of clinical conditions, which can be met in primary care. In addition, we consider the care offered in specialized services; thereby, a resolute and comprehensive care is allowed. This is an evaluative research, with data collection through interviews with parents/guardians of children in health services (basic and hospital care). Data will also be obtained from specialized services and child health programs. The contribution is revealed through the feasibility to investigate health actions that identify tools to qualify care. The results have the potential to provide subsidies to health services not only in the cities investigated, but also in other localities, regional or national, that still need to look at the child in a comprehensive way, providing access to appropriate and timely care, with positive repercussions on child health indicators. (AU)