Applicability of Quality Management Tools for Evaluating Processes in Primary Health Care

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to understand the role of health managers in primary care, using validated quality tools, created and implemented within the Unified Health System (SUS). Method: This is a bibliographical review, of an exploratory and descriptive nature, developed using the qualitative method, through published scientific articles and literary works, without a time frame, in the Portuguese language. The Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases were used, specifically LILACS and MEDLINE, and BDTD, Google Scholar, SciELO and CAPES journals. Results and conclusion: The literature review identified that the quality tools validated in the SUS can be used by health managers to improve primary care, helping them to develop strategies to improve the provision of care to users. Among the tools identified, the PCATool-Brasil instrument was considered the most complete, as it evaluates primary care in several aspects, such as organization, access, care process, effectiveness and user satisfaction. Research implications: The research results indicate that quality tools validated in the SUS can be an important tool for health managers in improving primary care. However, it is important that managers adapt the tools to their local reality, taking into account the most relevant indicators for their population. Originality/value: The study is original because it presents a bibliographical review that addresses the role of health managers in primary care, using quality tools validated in the SUS. The study is also relevant for identifying that the PCATool-Brasil instrument is a complete tool that can be used by health managers to improve primary care.