Integrality in Brazil and Venezuela: similarities and complementarities

• Published in: Ciência & saude coletiva 2018-04, Vol.23 (4), p.1233-1240
• Main Authors: Santos, Carla Targino Bruno Dos, Barros, Ione Silva, Amorim, Anne Caroline Coelho Leal Árias, Rocha, Dais Gonçalves, Mendonça, Ana Valéria Machado, Sousa, Maria Fátima de
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1413-8123; 1678-4561
• DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232018234.16122016

This study aims to compare Primary Health Care (PHC) in Brazil and Venezuela, considering its characteristics as to integrality. It has a qualitative approach, using documental analysis, semi-structured interviews with key informants and field diary notes. We observed the three realms of integrality inherent to the health work process: comprehensive and holistic care, the individual viewed as a complex being with multiple needs, requiring the connection of various health knowledge; continuity of care in institutional micro-policy with interprofessional articulation, in order to consider individual care; continuity of care in macro-policy, when a shift to other levels of care is needed; intersectoriality was also included, when the needs of an individual and community require a cross-sectoral coordination, with action on determinants and conditionants of the health-disease process. It is worth highlighting the natural tendency to include a comprehensive community medical training. We conclude that those countries strengthened by democracy draw their integrality practices closer, as well as the construction of social and health policies for underprivileged populations to achieve equity.