Referral processes to services specialized in cardiology and endocrinology for Primary Health Care

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze referrals of people to Cardiology and Endocrinology services by Primary Health Care (PHC) doctors from a city in Rio Grande do Sul. Cross-sectional study with questionnaires applied to 25 PHC doctors, two cardiologists, two endocrinologists and one regulator doctor. Statistical analysis was performed in the SPSS, being continuous variables presented with average or median, and categorical variables with absolute and relative frequencies. Between the PHC doctors, 96% know, 84% use referral protocols, and 92% refer patients mainly for management of complicated diseases that require specialist assessment. Among the specialists doctors, 50% know the protocols and for them the main reason for referrals is due to prevalent of chronic conditions poorly controlled in PHC, being considered by the endocrinologists as badly indicated. The regulator doctor assesses that the most documents for referrals are incomplete and do not allow to evaluate the severity of the problem. This study concluded that referral protocols are not being used to optimize the flow of users in the health care network, indicating the necessity for review of work processes, qualifying professionals and articulation between the PHC, regulation and specialized care.