Interfederative consortium and hospital management in the Brazilian Unified National Health System in Bahia State, Brazil: the decision-making process in the light of neo-institutionalism

Abstract

This article analyzes the decision for the Interfederative Health Consortium (CIS) model as an alternative for the management of a hospital of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) in Bahia, Brazil. Agreements were reviewed and semi-structured interviews were conducted with key actors at the central level of the Bahia State Health Department (Sesab) and the CIS Northeast II. The findings were analyzed considering the theoretical framework of neo-institutionalism, emphasizing the characterization of the historical and political-institutional context within the SUS, the actors involved in decision making, and the rules and guidelines of both institutions, Sesab and the CIS. The results showed the decision was predominantly guided by political motivations of state and municipal executives, based on the purpose of decentralizing the management of health actions and services and regionalization, with predominant actions of actors linked with the government and incipient participation of the technical area of the Sesab. Also, in convergence with the theoretical framework adopted, there were rules and guidelines inherent to both institutions, Sesab and CIS, which contributed to the adoption of the model and other elements of the historical context that also affected the decision-making process. This study contributed to a better understanding of the operationalization logic of hospital care management in SUS Bahia, with its multiple factors, stimulating the development of new investigations about management models in SUS. reduction of the burden and costs of hospital admission due to neglected tropical diseases in the state.