Resumen

LOPEZ PUIG, Pedro et al. Criteria and indicators for the characterization of integration in the national health care system. Rev Cubana Salud Pública [online]. 2011, vol.37, n.4, pp. 394-415. ISSN 0864-3466.

Introduction The integration of the Cuban health care system may be conceived as management and delivery of services in such a way that the people will receive a permanent flow of promotion, prevention, diagnosis, curing, rehabilitation and social reinsertion services to meet their needs in the course of time, through the various levels of the health system and with the highest possible quality according to the historical and social moment and the technological environment in question. Studying the integration means to identify and to validate those criteria that characterize it and to create the indicators to this end. Objectives to identify the criteria and the indicators of integration in the Cuban health care system. Methods An expert workshop was held to discuss the familiarization with the conceptual basis of the so-called Renovation of the Primary Health Care and the Integration of Networks and Systems of Health Services as an operational strategy. The attributes for the integration were grouped in pursuant to the inherent functions of the health systems, that is, delivery, management and financing. The experts were divided into groups on the basis of their professional profile and research experience in each function. One instrument was used to determine the suitability of criteria added to each attribute and function and another for the design of process and outcome indicators. Results The submitted criteria were considered suitable. Several process and outcome indicators were created for the dimensions delivery, management and financing of health services. Conclusions The development of research works in the field of integration of the Cuban health care system is possible on the basis of criteria added to the attributes for such integration in conformity with the basic functions of the health systems. A first approach to the body of indicators that will allow conducting these studies was attained.

Palabras clave : Integration of health service networks; indicators; attributes for integration.

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