The QualiRede intervention: improving the performance of care continuum in HIV, congenital syphilis, and hepatitis C in health regions

Abstract

Introduction: Care continuum models have supported recent strategies against sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV). Methods: HIV, HCV, and congenital syphilis care continuum models were developed, including all stages of care, from promotion/prevention to clinical control/cure. The models supported the intervention QualiRede, developed by a University-Brazilian National Health System (SUS) partnership focused on managers and other professionals from six priority health regions in São Paulo and Santa Catarina. Indicators were selected for each stage of the care continuum from the SUS information systems and from the Qualiaids and QualiAB facility’s process evaluation questionnaires. The indicators acted as the technical basis of two workshops with professionals and managers in each region: the first one to identify problems and to create a Regional Technical Group; and the second one to design action plans for improving regional performance. Results: The indicators are available at www.qualirede.org. The workshops took place in the regions of Alto Tietê, Baixada Santista, Grande ABC, and Registro (São Paulo) and of Foz do Rio Itajaí (Santa Catarina), which resulted in regional action plans in São Paulo, but not in Santa Catarina. A lack of awareness was observed regarding the new HIV and HCV protocols, as well as an incipient use of indicators in routine practices. Conclusion: Improving the performance of the care continuum requires appropriation of performance indicators and coordination of care flows at local, regional, and state levels of management.

Repercussões da pandemia por Covid-19 nos serviços de referência para atenção às hepatites virais

“…Entretanto, somente com gestão capaz de reconhecer essas possibilidades podem-se instalar novas frentes de trabalho, questão que perpassa pela qualificação dos gestores e visão estratégica de ação. Nesse sentido, uma proposta de cooperação interfederativa apresentada pelo QualiRede projeta a produção de planos de trabalho que favoreçam um conjunto de atividades com o Programa Estadual de Hepatites Virais (PNHV) (NEMES et al, 2019).…”

Improving the continuum of care monitoring in Brazilian HIV healthcare services: An implementation science approach

“…Managing patients effectively includes working with healthcare professionals from these health services as well as with regional and municipal managers responsible for the steps of HIV continuum of care, with regard to prevention, diagnosis, service referrals, maintenance of followup (i.e. retention), treatment adherence, and viral suppression [6].…”