Desafios e potencialidades para a estruturação e o funcionamento dos Conselhos Locais de Saúde de Porto Alegre

Challenges and potentialities for the structuring and functioning of the Local Health Councils in Porto Alegre

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The objective of this work was to identify the presence, as well as the ways in which the Local Health Councils (CLS) operate and work in the city of Porto Alegre, considering their promotion as a management goal in this municipality, included by initiative of the Council City of Health. Methodology: This is an exploratory and descriptive research. First, the amount of active CLS was determined. Next, an attempt was made to schedule a semi-structured group interview with the CLS found, using a developed and validated instrument. Descriptive statistics were performed with the determination of frequencies. Results and Discussion: 56 active CLS were found and 32 interviews were carried out. The CLS have an established and present Local Coordination, with meetings taking place with defined agendas, where health and community life issues are discussed, even with low community participation. CLS use the decentralized council structure as well as other channels such as the justice system and political representatives to address demands. Final considerations: The inclusion of CLS as a management goal showed a positive result in the increase of CLS. However, more thought should be given to each territory and its particularities, with actions that diversify the forms of mobilization.