[Social participation in health services: concepts of users and community leaders in two municipalities of Northeastern Brazil].
Social participation in management of the health care system at different levels of government is one of the key policies promoted by the Unified National Health System (SUS) in Brazil. As with any new policy, success hinges on several factors such as stakeholders' interests and opinions, which have not always been considered in the past. This paper analyzes the underlying concepts of two groups of stakeholders with respect to social participation in health and the potential influence of these concepts on the effectiveness of policy implementation. A case study of two municipalities in Northeast Brazil was conducted using a combination of qualitative and quantitative social science research methods. Health services users and community leaders were interviewed. Various concepts were found in which the participatory approach to health policies was only partially reflected. Likely influences on stakeholders' concepts of social participation in health are the evolution of the broader Brazilian social context and the traditional performance of health services. Particular attention should be paid to stakeholders' opinions and concepts if policy effectiveness is to be improved.
Vázquez
María Luisa
ML
CHC Consultoria i Gestió, Barcelona, España. mlvazquez@chccig.com
da Silva
Maria Rejane Ferreira
MR
Campos
Eliane Siqueira
ES
Arruda
Ilma Kruze Grande de
IK
Diniz
Alcides da Silva
Ada S
Veras
Ida Leite
IL
Pereira
Ana Paula Campos
AP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil; D003256:Community Participation; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005260:Female; D006298:Health Services Administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged