Coordination between Primary Care Teams and Family Health Support Units and influence on Primary Care delivery

Abstract

This article aims to compare the implementation of coordinated actions by family health/primary care (FH/PC) teams and extended family health and primary care units (NASF-ABs) in the Northeast and rest of Brazil, and the influence of implementation on collaborative working. The independent variables were 19 coordinated actions assessed by Module II of the 3rd Cycle of the National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ-AB). The three collaborative working outcomes were "FH/PC team readiness to work jointly with the NASF-AB", "support received by the FH/PC team from the NASF-AB", and "The NASF-AB's contribution to resolving patients" needs. The implementation of coordinated actions by the Northeast and at national level was compared using the two-proportions z-test and the influence of these actions on the outcomes was assessed using hierarchical linear regression models: The Northeast implemented more actions that at national level (p<0.05). The implemented actions that had the most positive influence on the three outcomes were "Case conferences", "Joint development of singular therapy plans for complex cases", "Shared appointments" and "Results monitoring". The Northeast implemented more actions and the implemented actions had a positive influence on collaborative working.