Reallocating the Unified Health System's supply to face attend future problems: the case of traumatology in Brazil

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the profile of physical health resources available in Brazil so to support the debate of the reorganization of the health service network, using as example the case of highly complex trauma. Data were retrieved from the 2013 version of the National Register of Health Establishments. Quantitative failure and poor geographical distribution were identified in the provision of large hospitals and beds in intensive care units, as well as the eight structures required by the Ministry of Health to licensing establishments to operate high complexity trauma. The acquisition of one structure by the establishments that already carry the seven other ones would increase from 30 to 80 the number of municipalities offering high complexity trauma care.

KEYWORDS:
Health care rationing; Regional health planning; Hospital care; Trauma centers