Managers' Perception of the Implementation Process of the Urgent and Emergency Care Networks in Piauí

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the perception of managers regarding the implementation process of the Emergency and Urgent Care Network (RUE) in the state of Piauí, Brazil. The research was qualitative and conducted through virtual semi-structured interviews, focusing on the State Steering Group. Managers from the following health regions were interviewed: Entre Rios, Planície Litorânea, Vales do Rio Piauí e Itaueiras, and Tabuleiro Alto Parnaíba. The interview material was transcribed to consolidate the textual corpus, which was processed using the IRAMUTEQ software. Data analysis was carried out using the Descending Hierarchical Classification (DHC) method. The analyzed content was categorized into seven distinct semantic classes, which were grouped by similarity, resulting in three categories: National Policy on Emergency Care (PNAU), RUE and its regionalization, and RUE components. The state steering group was observed to play a leading role in guiding the implementation of RUE in Piauí, particularly through agreements and dialogues with other stakeholders involved in the process. It was concluded that the managers' perception of RUE implementation was positive, particularly in terms of improving user access, enhancing physical and logistical structures within the network, optimizing and increasing the resolution of cases, implementing care pathways for acute myocardial infarction and stroke, providing dignified and specialized transportation, and addressing care gaps, especially in the southern region of the state.