[Access to health services: approaches, concepts, policies and analysis model]

Access to health services is a multifaceted and multidimensional issue involving political, economic, social, organizational, technical and symbolic aspects in establishing access to universal healthcare. This theoretical review paper intends to discuss the different approaches, analyze the context and policies for special groups on access, marking an analysis model delineated by the above aspects, from readings on the topic in question. This analysis reveals a diversity of approaches to access the formulation and implementation of public policies and their potential for changing the organization of the health system. We identified progress in reducing inequalities in health and increased access to the network of the Unified Health System (SUS), especially in primary care. There were also limitations related to accessibility, fragmentation, decentralization and regionalization of the service network, with inadequacies in the process of care and attention to specific groups, and regional disparities. Finally, the analysis model proposed seeks to develop a critical stance to reflect and intervene in health practices and services, with the objective goal being responsible, comprehensive, effective, equitable and quality healthcare.