Abstract

MORALES, Natalia et al. Configuration and characteristics of health service networks in Colombia. Rev. Univ. Ind. Santander. Salud [online]. 2011, vol.43, n.1, pp.73-77. ISSN 0121-0807.

Objective: To describe stakeholders' opinions related to Integrated Health Care Networks (IHN) organizations in Colombia. Methodology: Descriptive qualitative research based on 21 semi-structured interviews were conducted to policy makers and IHN organization managers. Narrative content analysis was carried out. Results: There are three approximation to the network concept: health service providers configuration by levels of complexity, coordination of insurance organization with health care providers and service offerings with georeferenciation criteria Although the policies allowing the health insurer guarantee the health care provision, through their own networks or outsourced networks exist differences due to: the service offer, the ways of hiring and integration processes which impact the access, the coordination of care and efficiency in health care provision. Conclusion: The introduction of managed competition model make difficult the network configuration and sustainability of public health care providers. Salud UIS 2011; 43(1): 73-77.

Keywords : Health services; health services research; health public policy; Colombia; qualitative research.

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