Work and employment relations in small Brazilian hospitals

ABSTRACT The present study describes the work and employment relations observed in a survey with 3,524 small hospitals (HPP) - i.e., hospitals with 0-50 beds - in Brazil. It was conducted in loco and its relevant results were the creation of a groundbreaking database on the subject and evidence for characterizing these institutions. The main findings show various work and employment relations in use in work agreements, with a greater emphasis on statutory relationships, agreements regulated by the Consolidated Labor Laws (Consolidação das Leis Trabalhistas [CLT]), and self-employment. Findings do not suggest differences regarding the profile of attention and/or general aspects of structure and functioning. Although they reflect a context structurally originated from new rearrangements in the work and employment world, work and employment relations do not allow definite conclusions about their impact on healthcare's daily routine. However, it opens the possibility for future studies in line with other dimensions of analysis.