Citation

Lima ML, Souza ER, Deslandes SF, Kelly A, Cabral AP. Rev. Salud Publica 2010; 12(1): 27-37.

Affiliation

Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Instituto de Salud en el Tropico)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

20628697

Abstract

Objectives: This study was aimed at carrying out a situational diagnosis of the prehospital healthcare network for victims of accidents and violence in Recife, Brazil. Methods: National policy for reducing accident- and violence-related morbidity and mortality was used as reference. Questionnaires were applied and half-structured interviews conducted with managers and healthworkers from thirteen prehospital fixed units and one mobile unit. Results: Children, adolescents and females predominantly sought attention; there were few preventative actions, little social coverage and deficient referral, counterreferral and communication with other sectors. A lack of equipment and basic materials, insufficient multidisciplinary teams and the need for ongoing training were also observed. Notifying and recording accidents and violence also lacked precision; ensuring that these were done properly would allow track to be kept of them as well as developing a proper assessment and action plan. However, important state, city and academic initiatives towards preventing and reducing morbidity and mortality caused by accidents and violence in particular municipalities were identified. Conclusions: Taking national policy for reducing accident- and violence-related morbidity and mortality as a point of reference, then it can be seen that some advances have been made in the city of Recife; however, many shortcomings can still be seen in terms of introducing such policy.

Language: en