Resumen

LOPEZ PUIG, Pedro et al. Methodology for characterization of a health service network and its use in the Ecuadorean context. Rev Cubana Salud Pública [online]. 2011, vol.37, n.2. ISSN 0864-3466.

Introduction The PAHO/WHO Initiative for the Integrated Health Service Networks with the objective of contributing to the development of Primary Health Care-based health systems is part of the response to the challenge of fragmentation existing in the Latin American scenario. Objectives Creation and validation of a methodology to diagnose failures in the integration of a health service network, and thus to prepare the way to attain this goal. Methods A developmental research work that allowed creating a methodology to be applied in two stages: one diagnostic and the other as intervention design. The first stage used qualitative techniques to characterize a health service network whereas the second one applied strategic planning techniques to make the design of a Road Map for integration. Both phases were developed in Ecuadorean regions. Results The steps for the creation of the two phases of methodology, the instruments used and the construction of a health service network integration index were presented. Conclusions A methodology for the characterization and evaluation of and the intervention in a health service network was presented in order to improve the levels of integration reached at a given time.

Palabras clave : Integration; networks; health services; health service fragmentation; road map; Ecuador.

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