[Evaluation of surveillance in primary health care: a methodological proposal]

Given the development of public health, hygiene and epidemiology in Cuba and their linking with primary care, and particularly, the novel approach to health surveillance in its different implementation alternatives, it is necessary to develop new forms and methods for surveillance evaluation at this level. The paper is aimed at presenting methodological proposal for assessing surveillance in primary health care. We made a literature review of known documents, guides or manuals which have been published in Cuba and in other countries and we interviewed a group of experts in this field. An initial instrument was worked out and tested in three health areas of the capital and afterwards, it was modified accordingly. The process of assessment was divided into 4 aspects: structure, process or functioning, results or usefulness and economic evaluation. To assess functioning of surveillance, we took the analysis of its attributes into account, i.e., simplicity, flexibility, acceptability, sensitivity positive predictive value, representativity, opportunity and also integrality and responsiveness capacity. We described steps to be implemented and elements to be considered. Generally, the evaluation should be carried out in a week. The cost of implementing each evaluating process is estimated at 40 Official Announcement. V Workshop of university libraries of Latin and the Caribbean. Upon finishing the evaluation, a report should be submitted with the comprehensive assessment and recommendations for the evaluated level.