Emergency Care Unit and Primary Health Care: A possible integration

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the complementarity of care and work processes between the Emergency Care Unit (UPA) and Primary Health Care (PHC) in a medium-sized municipality in the state of Rio de Janeiro, focusing on healthcare integration. This descriptive research used primary data (interviews with 5 managers and a survey of 283 users) and secondary data (production data from the UPA and the Family Health Strategy – FHS). The municipality has 100% population coverage by the FHS and a sufficient emergency care network. However, it prioritizes investment in the UPA over PHC. Between 2018 and 2022, 90% of consultations at the UPA were classified as low-risk emergencies. The main conditions that led users to the UPA included musculoskeletal conditions (24%), respiratory (15%), infectious and parasitic (11%). The most frequent symptoms were flu-like (24%) and musculoskeletal (22%). Users prioritize seeking care at the UPA due to the limitations of the FHS, convenience, and lack of awareness. The 33 respondents who visited the FHS and then the UPA reported an absence of doctors and unavailability of appointments. Care flows are not defined, and information systems do not communicate. Data indicated that the integration between PHC and UPA is weak.