RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN HEALTH REGULATION AND THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUITY IN A LARGE MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

Introduction: Health regulation is responsible for ordering the access of users to the healthcare system, hence being considered an important management tool. Objective: This study aims to describe the relationship between professional practice in health regulation and the principle of equity in a large city located in southern Brazil. Methods: This was acase Study, which used the techniques of focus group, participant observation and documental analysis. The Minayo’sthematic analysis was used for data analysis. The focus group was attended by eight members, as follows: one nurse, four regulators, and thre emanagers (including the Regulation Manager, the Control and Evaluation Manager, and the Director of the Department of Regulation, Control, Evaluation and Auditing). Result: The operationalization of equitable access is revealed as the main objective of the health regulation process. It was also highlighted the importance of ongoing training, the need for use of the regulation system as an unified tool for regulation, and Primary Health Care as a promoter of user access offered by the Health Regulation Department. Conclusion: The importance of constant training of professionals involved in healthcare regulation is justified by the ability of this management tool to qualify the access of users to medium and high complexity healthcare services as well as the allocation of financial resources. DESCRIPTORS: Health Care Coordination and Monitoring. Equity. Health Management. Public Health.