Evaluation of structure, processes, and results of hospital epidemiology cores in the metropolitan region of Goiânia (GO), Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: The expansion of the scope of Epidemiological Surveillance actions to the hospital level began with the legal prerogative of Ordinance No. 2,529, dated November 2004. Objective: To describe the Hospital Epidemiology Cores (HECs) of hospitals in the Metropolitan Region of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, in terms of resources, work processes, and outcomes. Method: This is a cross-sectional study. The theoretical framework for evaluating the HECs used in this research will be based on Avedis Donabedian's model, which relies on the dimensions of structure, process, and outcome. Five hospitals with implemented Hospital Epidemiology Cores participated in the study. Results: The most frequent age group of participants was 20 to 59 years (95.0%), and the majority of the sample was female (90%). Regarding the active search for Epidemiologically Important Events (EIEs) by the HECs, all five units operationalize this work process. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that, from the perspective of physical structure and material and equipment, the cores showed good conditions. All HECs actively search for EIEs in priority areas of the hospital.