Chronic disease in childhood and adolescence: continuity of care in the Health Care Network

Abstract

abstract OBJECTIVE To evaluate the continuity of care for children and adolescents with chronic diseases in the health care network. METHODS This qualitative study was conducted between February and October 2013 with 12 families, six health managers, and 14 health professionals from different health care services in a municipality of the state of Paraíba, Brazil, using focal groups, semi-structured interviews, and medical record consultation. The data were analyzed by triangulation and thematic analysis. RESULTS Two categories were created: “health care management” and “(dis)continuity of care.” We found gaps in the system, including poor data recording aimed to facilitate follow-up and guide the planning actions as well as sporadic and discoordinate services with a limited flow of information, which hinders follow-up over time. CONCLUSION Continuity of care in the health care network is limited and creates the need to develop strategies to improve these services.