Do primary and specialized care physicians know and use coordination mechanisms?

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Healthcare Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Effective care coordination between primary and specialized healthcare levels is crucial for seamless patient journeys.
• Understanding physicians' knowledge and use of coordination mechanisms is vital for identifying system inefficiencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess primary and specialized care physicians' awareness and utilization of care coordination mechanisms.
• To identify barriers hindering the effective implementation of these mechanisms within a public healthcare network.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey using the COORDENA-BR instrument was administered to physicians in primary and specialized care.
• The study investigated knowledge, usage, purpose, and difficulties associated with feedback, mutual adaptation, and standardization mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Physicians widely recognize feedback tools (referral letters, discharge reports, WhatsApp) but underutilize them.
• Knowledge and use of standardization mechanisms like clinical sessions and protocols are low, particularly in specialized care.
• Barriers include care overload, time constraints, insufficient resources, and lack of institutionalization.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare system fragmentation can be addressed by enhancing knowledge of coordination mechanisms.
• Developing professional skills and fostering supportive organizational conditions are essential for effective care coordination.