The practice of integrality was analyzed, parting from children's health. This exploratory-descriptive case study (cross sectional study, quantitative approach) was developed in two public health care units: one unit had the Family Health Program as its basis for health care, and the other unit organized assistance within the traditional health care model. The data was obtained by home interviews with children's parents/responsible (n=195) and statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and t-student tests. The results show that access was difficult in both public health care units, with an average of 2-3 visits to the health care service to schedule a consultation. Access to medicine and the reference system were better in the unit with Family Health Program. We verified that the principle of integrality wasn't incorporated, even in the unit with Family Health Program. So, the search for care models that contemplate access to the health care system, as well the practice of integrality remain as challenges.
Delivery of health care; Basic health services; Health policy; Child health
