Institutionalizing the evaluation and monitoring of Primary Health Care in the SUS:contributions to a strategic research agenda

Abstract

Primary Health Care (PHC) is the base of the Unified Health System (SUS). Strengthening it requires constant evaluation of its processes and outcomes. The PHC Research Network (Rede APS) is promoting an intense debate on strengthening the PHC model, which is territorialized, community-based, and organizes the Health Care Network in the SUS. This essay aims to present a history of initiatives to monitor and evaluate Brazilian PHC and to propose a research agenda involved in consolidating the SUS and strengthening the Family Health Strategy (ESF). It is the result of a critical reflection on the production of knowledge on PHC in Brazil, the fruit of a debate on the political and strategic agenda of the PHC Network with the participation of sectoral actors. The agenda is structured around eight central axes, considering the PHC model to be integrated into care networks, management and financing, work management, digital health, infrastructure, comprehensive health care, and monitoring and evaluation. The PHC Research Network advocates universal coverage by a qualified ESF and the construction of a National Monitoring and Evaluation Policy to guide PHC management and care in the SUS.