Proposal of a Multicriteria Method to Implement New Primary Health Care Units - a Case Study in São Carlos - SP

Abstract

Primary Health Care (PHC) is understood as the user's first contact with the Brazilian health system. The planning of PHC units is usually done based on political decisions, which neglect technical aspects related to the theme. The general objective of this study is to present a multicriteria method to assist in planning the implantation of new PHC units, through technical and objective criteria. Then this method is put into practice in the city of São Carlos - SP. The study used as the main tool the Geographic Information System (GIS), and evaluated the quality of six criteria, which are: (1) service area; (2) spatial constraints; (3) risk of natural events; (4) public transportation supply; (5) population distribution; and (6) average income. Each criterion was based on a series of indicators with clear definitions that allowed for the assignment of values according to the theme of the criterion. Each criterion culminated in a thematic map, which, when combined through a raster calculator, allowed the general classification of the study area and the viability of implanting new PHC units. The proposed method proved to be a technical and objective tool, capable of helping in the planning of new PHC units. This is exemplified in the case study in the city of São Carlos- SP.