Regionalized Health Surveillance in the State of Pernambuco: a case study

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of Regionalized Health Surveillance (HS) in the State of Pernambuco. It is an evaluative study carried out by means of the normative and the exploratory steps. The normative evaluation applied a quantitative approach for the structure and process dimensions, measuring the degree of HS implementation in four health regions of Pernambuco. The exploratory step consisted of semi-structured interviews with key informants so to apprehend also their perception about the HS regionalization process in Pernambuco as the factors that ease and hinder the process. HS was classified as 'partially implemented' in regions I, II and III, and 'implemented' in region IV. 'Structure' was classified as 'partially implemented' in all regions. 'Process' was classified as 'partially implemented' in regions I and III, and 'implemented' in regions II and IV. We concluded that HS regionalization in Pernambuco is still incomplete, despite being a process of great relevance, since the regional level is able to plan and promote strategies more appropriate for each context, given the specific characteristics of each municipality.