Study on absenteeism and underuse of specialized consultations and exams in the municipalities of the Rio Caetés Region, Pará, Amazon

Abstract

Health regulation is responsible for ordering timely access by users to health care services in the Brazilian public system. Objective: To analyze losses due to underutilization and absenteeism of consultations and specialized exams in the municipalities belonging to the Rio Caetés Region, Pará, Brazil, Amazon. Methodology: These are methodological procedures of a quantitative and qualitative research. The sample consisted of 42 professionals working in the 16 municipalities of the Municipal Regulation Centers. Results: The overall rate found in the Rio Caetés Region, Pará, in the year 2021, was 76.06% of underutilization and 23.65% for absenteeism in the group of specialized consultation procedures, specialized exams. Despite the values, the general average of absenteeism in consultations was 25.99% and 56.84% in exams, some consultations and exams exceed these values: Gynecology (52.01%), Gastroenterology (34.74%) and in group of exams: Echocardiogram (47.07%), Upper Digestive Endoscopy (39.23%). In view of these results, there was a need to contribute to municipal and regional strategic management by developing a technological product that establishes parameters such as "Usage Score" contributing to the definition of actions to improve the regulatory macro process and strategic planning. Conclusion: Collaborate in the development of strategies to improve the work process of professionals, mitigating losses due to absenteeism and underutilization in the Region.