[Child health care program in Mexico. Evaluation of the quality of the integrated health care given in training centers].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the quality of the integral care of children under five years old (AIMCA) at three first level care units, that without additional resources, were selected by the Child Health Care Program (PASN) to function as statewide training centers.


METHODS
Using matching list, structure, validated by a consensus of experts and a pilot test, six components of the AIMCA were assessed. The study included children under five years old outpatient clinic, during a period of a week: on the average 30 at each unit.


RESULTS
Although there were differences between each health unit, in a high number of cases, the score given to each component of the AIMCA was optimum or satisfactory. The most relevant deficiencies were those related to the mother's training. The assessment allowed for correcting deficiencies in the AIMCA and others related with the organization of Training Centers.


CONCLUSIONS
It is possible to have an AIMCA of good quality, at first level units without additional resources. We propose that the mother's training be given mainly by a nurse, especially in children with factors of poor prognosis. The methodology used can be employed to evaluate the AIMCA periodically at training centers.
Gutiérrez
G
G
Grupo Interinstitucional de Investigación en Sistemas de Salud, Secretaría de Salud- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, México, D.F.
Guiscafré
H
H
Verver
H
H
Valdés
J
J
Rivas
E
E
Loyo
E
E
Clavery
M
M
D002662:Child Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000592:standards*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008800:Mexico; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care / Q000592:standards*