News
Publication of results of the Equity-LA II project on factors influencing the use of clinical coordination mechanisms in Colombia
2019-10-30
The scientific journal Gaceta Sanitaria has published the article Factores que influyen en el uso de mecanismos de coordinación entre niveles asistenciales en Colombia which presents the results of the baseline of the Equity-lA II project of the two health service networks in Bogotá (Colombia), the object of the study. The article was developed in collaboration with the research teams of the Universidad del Rosario (Colombia) and the Consorci de Salut y Social de Catalunya (CSC) and was completed during a scientific stay at the CSC.
The article analyzes the factors that influence the use of clinical coordination mechanisms between levels of care in two health service networks in Bogotá (Colombia) based on a qualitative study based on interviews and focus groups with various social actors (health professionals, administrators and managers). The results showed limited implementation of clinical coordination mechanisms between levels in the study networks. Information coordination mechanisms such as the referral/counter-referral form (interconsultation) and the discharge report predominated, while clinical management mechanisms were used only for maternal and perinatal care. Problems were identified for its use related to organizational factors (lack of time, staff turnover, use for administrative purposes and deficit of technological resources) and related to professionals (disinterest); As a consequence, limited clinical coordination (limited transfer of information and follow-up of care) and problems in the quality of care (delays in diagnosis and treatment) were identified. These results point to possible improvement interventions.
The article is signed by Heisel Gloria León Arce, Amparo Mogollón (Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá), Ingrid Vargas, María Luisa Vázquez (Servicio de Estudios y Prospectivas en Políticas de Salud, CSC). The article is also part of the doctoral thesis: Knowledge and use of coordination mechanisms between health care levels in health service networks in Colombia, developed by Gloria León.
