Perceptions on the Care Network for Disabled Persons in a Health Region

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to analyze the implementation process of the network for disabled people in a regional health system in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. An exploratory study was used to conduct a case study, which applied questionnaires and interviews with 49 individuals so to map, describe and analyze the context, relations and perceptions) of different actors involved in the network implementation process. The results revealed the existence of movements reporting a 'living healthcare network' in permanent construction, following a gradual process of guidelines incorporation, although specialized rehabilitation services are still emphasized as care centralizers.