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. 2014 Dec;48(6):916-24.
doi: 10.1590/S0034-8910.2014048005139.

Spatial distribution of specialized cardiac care units in the state of Santa Catarina

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Silviana Cirino  1 , Fabiana Santos Lima  1 , Mirian Buss Gonçalves  2
Affiliations

Spatial distribution of specialized cardiac care units in the state of Santa Catarina

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Silviana Cirino et al. Rev Saude Publica. 2014 Dec.

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

OBJECTIVE To analyze the methodology used for assessing the spatial distribution of specialized cardiac care units. METHODS A modeling and simulation method was adopted for the practical application of cardiac care service in the state of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, using the p-median model. As the state is divided into 21 health care regions, a methodology which suggests an arrangement of eight intermediate cardiac care units was analyzed, comparing the results obtained using data from 1996 and 2012. RESULTS Results obtained using data from 2012 indicated significant changes in the state, particularly in relation to the increased population density in the coastal regions. The current study provided a satisfactory response, indicated by the homogeneity of the results regarding the location of the intermediate cardiac care units and their respective regional administrations, thereby decreasing the average distance traveled by users to health care units, located in higher population density areas. The validity of the model was corroborated through the analysis of the allocation of the median vertices proposed in 1996 and 2012. CONCLUSIONS The current spatial distribution of specialized cardiac care units is more homogeneous and reflects the demographic changes that have occurred in the state over the last 17 years. The comparison between the two simulations and the current configuration showed the validity of the proposed model as an aid in decision making for system expansion.

OBJETIVO: Analisar metodologia para distribuição espacial de serviços especializados em cardiologia.

MÉTODOS: Foi utilizado método de modelagem e simulação de aplicação prática para o serviço de atendimento cardiológico do estado de Santa Catarina, por meio do modelo de p-medianas. Considerando-se a divisão do estado em 21 regiões de saúde, foi analisada uma metodologia que propõe a instalação de oito centros de atendimento cardiológico intermediários, comparando-se os resultados de 1996 e 2012.

RESULTADOS: A aplicação com dados de 2012 refletiu mudanças ocorridas no estado, principalmente quanto ao adensamento populacional na região litorânea. A proposta atual apresentou uma resposta eficiente, observada pela homogeneidade dos resultados referentes à localização dos centros de atendimento cardiológico intermediários e às regiões que ficam a eles alocadas, com redução da distância média percorrida às unidades de serviço em regiões com maior densidade demográfica. A validade do modelo foi confirmada na análise da alocação dos vértices medianos propostos em 1996 e 2012.

CONCLUSÕES: A distribuição espacial de serviços especializados em cardiologia apresenta configuração mais homogênea e reflete as mudanças demográficas ocorridas no estado nos últimos 17 anos. A comparação entre as duas simulações realizadas e a configuração atual mostrou a validade do modelo como ferramenta auxiliar na tomada de decisão para a expansão do sistema.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Map of regional health administrations and location of the cardiac care units. Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, 2012.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Location of the eight intermediate cardiac care units. Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, 2012.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Location of the eight intermediate cardiac care units. Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, 1996.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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