Preference heterogeneity for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis care among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in the United States: a large discrete choice experiment.

Background: PrEP uptake among Black and Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) remains low in the United States. The design and implementation of PrEP delivery programs that incorporate the preferences of Black and Latino GBM may overcome barriers to uptake. We aimed to identify preferences for PrEP care among high-priority GBM in the U.S. with a large discrete choice experiment. Methods: We conducted two discreet choice experiments (DCE) to elicit care preferences for (1) Starting PrEP and (2) Continuing PrEP care among GBM clinically indicated for PrEP. The DCE web-based survey was nested in a longitudinal cohort study of GBM in the U.S., implemented with video and audio directions among 16-49 year-old participants, not using PrEP, and verified to be HIV-negative. All participants were presented with 16 choice sets, with choices determined by BLGBM and PrEP implementation stakeholders. We calculated overall utility scores and relative importance and used latent class analyses (LCA) to identify classes within the Starting and Continuing PrEP DCE. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify factors associated with class membership. Findings: Among 1514 participants, mean age was 32 years; 46·5% identified as Latino, 21·4% Black, and 25·2 White; 37·5% had an income less than USD $20,000. Two latent classes were identified for Starting PrEP: Class 1 (n=431 [28·5%]) was driven by preference for more traditional in-person care, and Class 2 (n=1083 [71·5%]) preferred flexible care options and on-demand PrEP. In a multivariable model, having a sexual health doctor (adjusted OR 0·7, CI 0·5, 0·9), having a primary care provider (OR 0·7,CI 0·5, 0·9, p= 0·023), and concerns over PrEP side effects (OR 1·1, CI 1·0,1·2, p= 0·003) were all associated with class membership. Interpretation: The different preferences identified for PrEP care indicate the need for diverse care and formulation choices to improve PrEP uptake and persistence. Addressing these preferences and understanding the factors that shape them can inform the implementation of programs that increase PrEP uptake.

Configuration of Health Care Networks in the SUS: analysis based on primary and hospital care components. / Configuração das Redes de Atenção à Saúde no SUS: análise a partir de componentes da atenção básica e hospitalar.

This study seeks to point out the different configurations of Health Care Networks in primary care (AB) and Hospital Care (AH), dimensioned based on coverage, quality, and resolvability characteristics in health macro-regions. Cross-sectional study used the cluster analysis and segmented 103 macro-regions into different profiles of coverage, quality and resolubility: group 1 (high coverage/AB and medium/AH; low quality AB-AH with high resolubility); group 2 (high coverage/AB and low/AH; low quality AB-AH with medium resolubility) and group 3 (high coverage/AB and medium/AH; high quality AB-AH with high resolubility). Coverage in AB was classified as high for 100% of the Brazilian population and in AH low to 9.70% and medium to 90.29%. Quality/AB-AH is low for 58.54% and high for 41.15%. Resolubility is high for 90.29% and medium for 9.70%. In Brazil, there is expansion of coverage with low quality/AB; shortage of hospital beds and low quality/HA with high resolution. However, in the Southeast and South, high AB-AH quality prevails. The structuring of health networks is still characterized by low resolution, demanding incentives for the governance of inter-federal arrangements.

O estudo procura apontar diferentes configurações de Redes de Atenção à Saúde na atenção básica e hospitalar, a partir de características de cobertura, qualidade e resolubilidade nas macrorregiões de saúde. Estudo transversal, utilizou a técnica de análise de cluster e segmentou 103 macrorregiões em distintos perfis de cobertura, qualidade e resolubilidade: grupo 1 (alta cobertura/AB e média/AH; baixa qualidade AB-AH com alta resolubilidade); grupo 2 (alta cobertura/AB e baixa/AH; baixa qualidade AB-AH com média resolubilidade); e o grupo 3 (alta cobertura/AB e média/AH; alta qualidade AB-AH com alta resolubilidade). A cobertura na AB foi classificada como alta para 100% da população brasileira, e na AH, baixa para 9,70% e média para 90,29%. Qualidade/AB-AH é baixa para 58,54% e alta para 41,15%. A resolubilidade é alta para 90,29% e média para 9,70%. No Brasil, verifica-se expansão da cobertura com baixa qualidade/AB, insuficiência de leitos hospitalares e baixa qualidade/AH com alta resolubilidade. Todavia, prevalece alta qualidade AB-AH no Sudeste e no Sul. A estruturação das redes de saúde ainda se configura de baixa resolutividade, demandando estímulos à governança de arranjos interfederativos.

Configuração das Redes de Atenção à Saúde no SUS: análise a partir de componentes da atenção básica e hospitalar / Configuration of Health Care Networks in the SUS: analysis based on primary and hospital care components

Resumo O estudo procura apontar diferentes configurações de Redes de Atenção à Saúde na atenção básica e hospitalar, a partir de características de cobertura, qualidade e resolubilidade nas macrorregiões de saúde. Estudo transversal, utilizou a técnica de análise de cluster e segmentou 103 macrorregiões em distintos perfis de cobertura, qualidade e resolubilidade: grupo 1 (alta cobertura/AB e média/AH; baixa qualidade AB-AH com alta resolubilidade); grupo 2 (alta cobertura/AB e baixa/AH; baixa qualidade AB-AH com média resolubilidade); e o grupo 3 (alta cobertura/AB e média/AH; alta qualidade AB-AH com alta resolubilidade). A cobertura na AB foi classificada como alta para 100% da população brasileira, e na AH, baixa para 9,70% e média para 90,29%. Qualidade/AB-AH é baixa para 58,54% e alta para 41,15%. A resolubilidade é alta para 90,29% e média para 9,70%. No Brasil, verifica-se expansão da cobertura com baixa qualidade/AB, insuficiência de leitos hospitalares e baixa qualidade/AH com alta resolubilidade. Todavia, prevalece alta qualidade AB-AH no Sudeste e no Sul. A estruturação das redes de saúde ainda se configura de baixa resolutividade, demandando estímulos à governança de arranjos interfederativos.

Abstract This study seeks to point out the different configurations of Health Care Networks in primary care (AB) and Hospital Care (AH), dimensioned based on coverage, quality, and resolvability characteristics in health macro-regions. Cross-sectional study used the cluster analysis and segmented 103 macro-regions into different profiles of coverage, quality and resolubility: group 1 (high coverage/AB and medium/AH; low quality AB-AH with high resolubility); group 2 (high coverage/AB and low/AH; low quality AB-AH with medium resolubility) and group 3 (high coverage/AB and medium/AH; high quality AB-AH with high resolubility). Coverage in AB was classified as high for 100% of the Brazilian population and in AH low to 9.70% and medium to 90.29%. Quality/AB-AH is low for 58.54% and high for 41.15%. Resolubility is high for 90.29% and medium for 9.70%. In Brazil, there is expansion of coverage with low quality/AB; shortage of hospital beds and low quality/HA with high resolution. However, in the Southeast and South, high AB-AH quality prevails. The structuring of health networks is still characterized by low resolution, demanding incentives for the governance of inter-federal arrangements.

O fim da extensão das patentes e as Parcerias para Desenvolvimento Produtivo: reflexos no acesso a medicamentos no Brasil / The end of patent extensions and the Productive Development Partnerships: effects on access to medicines in Brazil

Resumo A covid-19 jogou luz sobre o impacto negativo da propriedade intelectual na saúde e deu nova relevância à Ação Direta de Inconstitucionalidade 5529/DF, que, acatada pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal em 2021, culminou na extinção da extensão automática de patentes no Brasil. Este estudo busca analisar o efeito do julgamento histórico da ADI 5529/DF sobre pedidos de patente e as patentes de interesse das Parcerias para Desenvolvimento Produtivo (PDP). Trata-se de um estudo com base em uma pesquisa documental de análise do andamento, até 31 de dezembro de 2020, de 90 pedidos de patente relacionados a 15 medicamentos objetos de PDP. Nos sites do Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial, do Ministério da Saúde, da Anvisa e da Câmara de Regulação do Mercado de Medicamentos, foram pesquisadas variáveis para comparar o cenário patentário dos medicamentos com o das PDP. De 88 pedidos válidos, 28 patentes foram concedidas, das quais dezessete foram estendidas para mais de vinte anos (média de 24 anos e nove meses). A decisão do STF resultou em mais de 68 anos de monopólio perdidos, potencialmente desanuviando alternativas para a produção de genéricos no país. Neste momento de retomada das PDP, estratégias para a superação de barreiras patentárias deveriam ser incorporadas à política.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the negative impact of intellectual property on health and has given new relevance to the Direct Action of Unconstitutionality 5529/DF, which was ruled by the Supreme Court in 2021, resulting in the extinction of automatic patent extensions in Brazil. This documentary case study analyzes the effects of the judicial decision on patent applications and patents of interest for Productive Development Partnerships (PDP), investigating the progress of 90 patent applications related to 15 PDPs drugs of interest until Decembre 31, 2020. Variables for comparing the drug patent scenario with that of the PDPs were researched on the websites of the National Institute of Industrial Property, the Ministry of Health, ANVISA, and the Brazilian Medicines Market Regulation Chamber. Of 88 valid applications, 28 patents were granted, 17 of which had been extended to more than 20 years (24 years and 09 months average). The court decision resulted in a loss of over 68 years of monopoly, potentially opening alternatives for generic production. This resumption of the PDP policy should incorporate strategies to overcome patent barriers.

A Community-Based Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Telehealth Program Focused on Latinx Sexual Minority Men.

Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM) face multilevel barriers to accessing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). To address these barriers, we designed and implemented community-based organization (CBO)-PrEP, a collaborative community-based telehealth PrEP program for LSMM. We designed this PrEP delivery program through a collaborative process involving staff from local CBOs and a primary care-based HIV prevention program. Staff met weekly over a 3-month period to establish protocols for referrals, obtaining insurance coverage, and navigation to appointments and laboratory testing. To assess feasibility, we extracted electronic medical record data including demographics and clinical outcomes of PrEP care. Between December 2020 and May 2023, 102 individuals were referred to CBO-PrEP of which 85 had Hispanic/Latino as their ethnicity in their medical records; out of 102 individuals, 72 (70.6%) were scheduled for an initial appointment. Out of 72 individuals scheduled for an appointment, 58 (80.6%) were seen by a health care provider a median of 7.5 days after referral [interquartile range (IQR), 2-19]; 48 (82.6%) of initial appointments were through telemedicine, 10 (17.2%) were seen in person. Of the 48 patients who had a telehealth appointment, 36 (75%) underwent initial laboratory testing and 42 (87.5) were prescribed PrEP; all 10 patients who were seen in person underwent laboratory testing and were prescribed PrEP. PrEP prescriptions were received in a median of 17.5 days (IQR 4.5-33.5) after referral. CBO-PrEP successfully engaged LSMM, a population that is often hard to reach. Expanding collaborative approaches with CBOs could have a significant impact on improving PrEP uptake for LSMM and other priority populations.

Collaborative PrEP Implementation Strategies for Latino Men Who have Sex with Men: A Health Center-Community Consensus Process.

Community-based organizations (CBOs) deliver services in culturally-responsive ways, and could effectively partner with health centers to deliver HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to Latino men who have sex with men (LMSM). However, few such models exist. We conducted a planning study in collaboration with three CBOs serving LMSM to identify optimal PrEP delivery strategies for health centers and CBOs to implement jointly. We established a Community Expert Panel (CEP) of eight client-facing CBO and health center staff. Over 6 months, the panel met monthly to identify collaborative strategies for PrEP delivery, using a modified Delphi method consisting of the following steps: (1) brainstorming strategies; (2) rating strategies on acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility; (3) review of data from qualitative focus group discussions with CBO clients; and (4) final strategy selection. The panel initially identified 25 potential strategies spread across three categories: improving communication between health centers and CBOs; using low-barrier PrEP options (e.g. telemedicine), and developing locally-relevant, culturally-sensitive outreach materials. Focus groups with CBO clients highlighted a desire for flexible options for PrEP-related care and emphasized trust in CBOs. The final package of strategies consisted of: (1) a web-based referral tool; (2) telemedicine appointments; (3) geographically-convenient options for lab specimen collection; (4) tailored print and social media; and (5) regular coaching sessions with CBO staff. Through a community-engaged process, we identified a package of PrEP delivery strategies that CBOs and health centers can implement in partnership, which have the potential to overcome barriers to PrEP for LMSM.

Individual and Health System Factors for Uptake of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Young Black and Latino Gay Men.

BACKGROUND: Young Black and Latino men who have sex with men (YBLMSM) have the highest rates of new HIV infections in the USA and use PrEP at lower rates than White MSM. OBJECTIVE: To explore YBLMSM's perspectives and experiences of PrEP use to identify factors enabling or impeding uptake. DESIGN: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews conducted between August 2015 and April 2016. PARTICIPANTS: Black and Latino MSM, 18-20 years of age, who live, socialize, or work in the Bronx, and were fluent in English or Spanish. APPROACH: We used a thematic analysis to identify themes related to not taking PrEP and PrEP uptake. KEY RESULTS: Half the participants (n = 9) were currently using PrEP, a majority had Medicaid (n = 13), all reported having a PCP, all identified English as their primary language (n = 15), and all identified as gay. Salient themes included concerns over-side effects, stigma related to HIV and sexuality, mistrust of medical providers, provider's refusal to prescribe PrEP, and insurance and cost. CONCLUSIONS: Modifiable barriers for PrEP uptake and persistence were reported by most participants, with an emphasis on PrEP misinformation and the pervasiveness of intersectional stigma, providers' low awareness, and hesitant attitudes towards PrEP and barriers created by insurance companies. Supportive infrastructures for PrEP providers and patients are needed.

Harmful by Design-a Qualitative Study of the Health Impacts of Immigration Detention.

BACKGROUND: The USA has the largest immigration detention system in the world with over 20,000 individuals imprisoned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) daily. Numerous reports have documented human rights abuses in immigration detention, yet little is known about its health impacts. OBJECTIVE: To characterize how the US immigration detention system impacts health from the perspective of people who were recently detained by ICE. DESIGN: Qualitative study using anonymous, semi-structured phone interviews in English or Spanish conducted between July 2020 and February 2021. PARTICIPANTS: Adults who had been detained by ICE for at least 30 days in the New York City metropolitan area within the previous 2 years, and that were fluent in English and/or Spanish. APPROACH: We explored participants' health histories and experiences trying to meet physical and mental health needs while in detention and after release. We conducted a reflective thematic analysis using an inductive approach. KEY RESULTS: Of 16 participants, 13 identified as male; five as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer; and four as Black; they were from nine countries. Participants had spent a median of 20 years living in the USA and spent a median of 11 months in immigration detention. Four themes emerged from our analysis: (1) poor conditions and inhumane treatment, (2) a pervasive sense of injustice, (3) structural barriers limiting access to care, and (4) negative health impacts of immigration detention. CONCLUSIONS: The narratives illustrate how structural features of immigration detention erode health while creating barriers to accessing needed medical care. Clinicians caring for immigrant communities must be cognizant of these health impacts. Community-based alternatives to immigration detention should be prioritized to mitigate health harms.

Intersectional Experienced Stigma and Psychosocial Syndemic Conditions in a Sample of Black Men Who Have Sex with Men Engaged in Sex Work (BMSM-SW) from Six US Cities.

Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in the United States experience a disproportionate burden of violence, substance use, physical and mental health conditions relative to other racial groups. BMSM who engage in sex work (BMSM-SW) experience a high burden of psychosocial conditions, sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and intersectional stigma. This analysis characterizes remuneration and client typologies for BMSM-SW, documents intersectional stigma experienced by BMSM-SW relative to other BMSM, and explores the impact of experienced intersectional stigma on the relationship between sex work engagement and psychosocial syndemic conditions (violence, polydrug use, and depression symptoms). Results show that a majority of BMSM-SW in the sample had female clients and that sex workers were more likely than other BMSM to hire another sex worker. BMSM-SW were more likely than other BMSM to report stigma attributed to race; sexuality; HIV status; socioeconomic status; and "other" attributes, and were more likely to report experiencing stigma across all settings assessed (schools; healthcare; employment; housing; police/courts; and in public/community). Intersectional stigma mediated the relationship between sex work engagement and psychosocial syndemic conditions, accounting for 49% (95% CI: 47.6-50.0%) of the relationship. Interventions for BMSM-SW should include resilience-building components to counteract the effects of intersectional stigma.

[Assessment of the coordination of primary healthcare: comparison of PMAQ-AB (Brazil) and international references]. / Avaliação da coordenação do cuidado na atenção primária à saúde: comparando o PMAQ-AB (Brasil) e referências internacionais.

This study aimed to compare the results obtained with the coordination of care through the Brazilian National Program for Improvement of Access and Quality of Basic Care (PMAQ-AB), with the parameters adopted by the Care Coordination Measures Atlas and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. A cross-sectional study was performed using the dataset from the third cycle of the PMAQ-AB. Three typologies of coordination of care were created: PMAQ-AB, Atlas, and Observatory. Chi-square test was applied to compare proportions and Kruskal-Wallis and Nemenyi tests to verify and identify potential differences between the typologies. Significance was set at 5%. In all, 35,350 teams were assessed that performed some activity in care coordination. A significant difference was observed (p < 0.001) between levels of coordination, with a higher percentage between the high and medium levels in the three instruments, PMAQ-AB (56.07% and 38.35%), Atlas (52.63% and 40.66%), and Observatory (44.82% and 43.98%). In the comparison of the indicators, there was a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the typologies. For Brazil, in the PMAQ-AB typology, all the strata displayed a higher percentage between the high and medium levels; in the Atlas, stratum 1 stood out in the medium level (43.81%); the high level predominated in the Observatory. In the comparison of the indicators by strata, at least one stratum differed from the others (p < 0.001). Number 6 differed from the others (p < 0.001), and number 1 differed from all of them (p < 0.001) except number 2 (p > 0.05). The levels of coordination of care differed according to the instruments used. High and medium levels were identified, showing the need for additional studies.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os resultados obtidos para a coordenação do cuidado a partir do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB), com os parâmetros adotados pelo Atlas de Medidas de Coordenação do Cuidado e pelo Observatório Europeu de Políticas e Sistemas de Saúde. Foi realizado estudo transversal, com base no banco de dados do 3º ciclo do PMAQ-AB. Foram criadas três tipologias de coordenação do cuidado: PMAQ-AB, Atlas e Observatório. O teste qui-quadrado foi aplicado para comparar as proporções; os testes de Kruskal-Wallis e de Nemenyi para verificar e identificar eventuais diferenças entre as tipologias. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Foram avaliadas 35.350 equipes que realizaram alguma atividade de coordenação do cuidado. Observou-se diferença significativa (p < 0,001), entre os níveis de coordenação, com maior percentual entre o nível alto e médio nos três instrumentos, PMAQ-AB (56,07% e 38,35%), Atlas (52,63% e 40,66%) e o Observatório (44,82% e 43,98%). Na comparação dos indicadores, houve diferença significativa (p < 0,001) entre as tipologias. Para o Brasil, na tipologia PMAQ-AB, todos os estratos exibiram maior percentual entre o nível alto e médio; no Atlas, o estrato 1 destacou-se no nível médio (43,81%) e, no Observatório, predominou o nível alto. Na comparação dos indicadores por estratos, pelo menos um estrato diferiu dos demais (p < 0,001). O 6 se distinguiu dos demais (p < 0,001), e o 1 diferiu de todos (p < 0,001), exceto do 2 (p > 0,05). Os níveis de coordenação do cuidado diferenciaram-se entre os instrumentos utilizados. Altos e médios níveis foram identificados, demonstrando a necessidade de estudos adicionais.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los resultados obtenidos para la coordinación del cuidado, a partir del Programa Nacional de Mejoría de Acceso y Calidad de la Atención Básica (PMAQ-AB), con los parámetros adoptados por el Atlas de Medidas de Coordinación del Cuidado y por el Observatorio Europeo de Políticas y Sistemas de Salud. Se realizó un estudio transversal, basado en el banco de datos del 3er ciclo del PMAQ-AB. Se crearon tres tipologías de coordinación del cuidado: PMAQ-AB, Atlas y Observatorio. El test de chi-cuadrado se aplicó para comparar las proporciones, el test de Kruskal-Wallis y el de Nemenyi para verificar e identificar eventuales diferencias entre las tipologías. El nivel de significancia fue de 5%. Se evaluaron a 35.350 equipos que realizaron alguna actividad de coordinación del cuidado. Se observó una diferencia significativa (p < 0,001), entre los niveles de coordinación, con mayor porcentaje entre el nivel alto y medio en los tres instrumentos, PMAQ-AB (56,07% y 38,35%), Atlas (52,63% y 40,66%) y el Observatorio (44,82% y 43,98%). En la comparación de los indicadores, hubo una diferencia significativa (p < 0,001) entre las tipologías. Para Brasil, en la tipología PMAQ-AB todos los estratos expusieron un mayor porcentaje entre el nivel alto y medio; en el Atlas, el estrato 1 se destacó en el nivel medio (43,81%) y, en el Observatorio, predominó el nivel alto. En la comparación de los indicadores por estratos, por lo menos un estrato difirió de los demás (p < 0,001). El 6 se distinguió de los demás (p < 0,001), y el 1 difirió de todos (p < 0,001), excepto del 2 (p > 0,05). Los niveles de coordinación del cuidado se diferenciaron entre los instrumentos utilizados. Se identificaron niveles altos y medios, demostrando la necesidad de estudios adicionales.

Budget impact analysis of medicines: estimated values versus real-world evidence and the implications.

OBJECTIVES: Budget Impact Analyses (BIA) of medicines helps managers in promoting health systems' sustainability when assessing the role and value of new medicines. However, it is not clear whether BIAs typically underestimate or overestimate the impact on real-world budgets. This retroactive analysis seeks to compare estimated values obtained by a BIA and Real-World Evidence (RWE) to guide discussions. METHODS: The estimated values were obtained through a BIA concerning the incorporation of adalimumab for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis into the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) carried out retroactively and per international guidelines. RWE data was extracted from SUS computerized systems. We subsequently compared the number of treatments, costs, and Incremental Budget Impact (IBI). RESULTS: - The total number of treatments was underestimated by 10% (6,243) and the total expenditure was overestimated by 463% (US$ 4.7 billion). In five years, the total difference between the estimated values and real IBI reached US$ 1.1 billion. A current expenditure of US$ 1.0 was observed for every US$ 5.60 of estimated expenditure. CONCLUSION: - The higher estimates from the BIA might cause decision makers to be more cautious with the introduction of a new medicine to reduce the opportunity costs for other interventions.

A judicialização na saúde suplementar: uma avaliação das ações judiciais contra uma operadora de planos de saúde, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 2010-2017 / Judicialization in supplementary health: an evaluation of lawsuits against a health plan operator, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 2010-2017

RESUMO A judicialização na saúde suplementar supera a que ocorre no setor público, evidenciando a fragilidade de sua regulação e dificultando o acesso aos planos de saúde. Serão analisadas ações judiciais contra uma operadora da saúde suplementar em Belo Horizonte, entre os anos de 2010 e 2017. Analisaramse proces¬sos judiciais por meio de técnica de análise documental. As variáveis foram relativas à natureza do processo judicial, ao perfil dos beneficiários e às características das demandas. A Regressão de Poisson foi utilizada na avaliação de impacto e relevância das variáveis selecionadas, e o software R versão 3.6.1 para os testes de significância. No período de 2010 a 2017, foram movidas 6.090 ações. As principais causas são questões contratuais, negativa de procedimento, órtese/prótese e exames. Planos anteriores à 'Lei dos Planos de Saúde' correspondem a 3% da carteira e 37,4% da judicialização. Este estudo demonstrou que a possibilidade de judicializar é maior entre clientes masculinos, contratos individuais, planos assistidos em rede ampla, sem coparticipação. A judicialização é mais acessível a cidadãos de maior condição econômica. Questões contratuais evidenciam frágil regulação. Adequada regulamentação reduz o desequilíbrio entre clientes e operadoras. A Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar precisa exercer sua função reguladora.

ABSTRACT Judicialization in supplementary health surpasses that which occurs in the public sector, evidencing the fragility of its regulation and making access to health plans difficult. Lawsuits against a Supplementary Health operator in Belo Horizonte, between 2010 and 2017, will be analyzed. Legal proceedings were analyzed using a document analysis technique. Variables were related to the nature of the legal process, the profile of the beneficiaries and the characteristics of the demands. Poisson Regression was used to assess the impact and relevance of the selected variables, and the R software version 3.6.1 for the significance tests. In the period from 2010 to 2017, 6090 actions were filed. The main causes are contractual issues, denial of procedure, orthosis/prosthesis and exams. Plans prior to the 'Health Plan Law', correspond to 3% of the portfolio and 37.4% of the judicialization. This study showed that the possibility of taking legal action is greater among male clients, individual contracts, plans assisted in a wide network, without co-participation. Judicialization is more accessible to citizens of higher economic status. Contractual issues show fragile regulation. Adequate regulation reduces the imbalance between customers and operators. The National Supplementary Health Agency needs to exercise its regulatory function.

Avaliação da coordenação do cuidado na atenção primária à saúde: comparando o PMAQ-AB (Brasil) e referências internacionais / Assessment of the coordination of primary healthcare: comparison of PMAQ-AB (Brazil) and international references / Evaluación de la coordinación del cuidado en la atención primaria en salud: comparando el PMAQ-AB (Brasil) y referencias internacionales

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os resultados obtidos para a coordenação do cuidado a partir do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB), com os parâmetros adotados pelo Atlas de Medidas de Coordenação do Cuidado e pelo Observatório Europeu de Políticas e Sistemas de Saúde. Foi realizado estudo transversal, com base no banco de dados do 3º ciclo do PMAQ-AB. Foram criadas três tipologias de coordenação do cuidado: PMAQ-AB, Atlas e Observatório. O teste qui-quadrado foi aplicado para comparar as proporções; os testes de Kruskal-Wallis e de Nemenyi para verificar e identificar eventuais diferenças entre as tipologias. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Foram avaliadas 35.350 equipes que realizaram alguma atividade de coordenação do cuidado. Observou-se diferença significativa (p < 0,001), entre os níveis de coordenação, com maior percentual entre o nível alto e médio nos três instrumentos, PMAQ-AB (56,07% e 38,35%), Atlas (52,63% e 40,66%) e o Observatório (44,82% e 43,98%). Na comparação dos indicadores, houve diferença significativa (p < 0,001) entre as tipologias. Para o Brasil, na tipologia PMAQ-AB, todos os estratos exibiram maior percentual entre o nível alto e médio; no Atlas, o estrato 1 destacou-se no nível médio (43,81%) e, no Observatório, predominou o nível alto. Na comparação dos indicadores por estratos, pelo menos um estrato diferiu dos demais (p < 0,001). O 6 se distinguiu dos demais (p < 0,001), e o 1 diferiu de todos (p < 0,001), exceto do 2 (p > 0,05). Os níveis de coordenação do cuidado diferenciaram-se entre os instrumentos utilizados. Altos e médios níveis foram identificados, demonstrando a necessidade de estudos adicionais.

Abstract: This study aimed to compare the results obtained with the coordination of care through the Brazilian National Program for Improvement of Access and Quality of Basic Care (PMAQ-AB), with the parameters adopted by the Care Coordination Measures Atlas and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. A cross-sectional study was performed using the dataset from the third cycle of the PMAQ-AB. Three typologies of coordination of care were created: PMAQ-AB, Atlas, and Observatory. Chi-square test was applied to compare proportions and Kruskal-Wallis and Nemenyi tests to verify and identify potential differences between the typologies. Significance was set at 5%. In all, 35,350 teams were assessed that performed some activity in care coordination. A significant difference was observed (p < 0.001) between levels of coordination, with a higher percentage between the high and medium levels in the three instruments, PMAQ-AB (56.07% and 38.35%), Atlas (52.63% and 40.66%), and Observatory (44.82% and 43.98%). In the comparison of the indicators, there was a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the typologies. For Brazil, in the PMAQ-AB typology, all the strata displayed a higher percentage between the high and medium levels; in the Atlas, stratum 1 stood out in the medium level (43.81%); the high level predominated in the Observatory. In the comparison of the indicators by strata, at least one stratum differed from the others (p < 0.001). Number 6 differed from the others (p < 0.001), and number 1 differed from all of them (p < 0.001) except number 2 (p > 0.05). The levels of coordination of care differed according to the instruments used. High and medium levels were identified, showing the need for additional studies.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los resultados obtenidos para la coordinación del cuidado, a partir del Programa Nacional de Mejoría de Acceso y Calidad de la Atención Básica (PMAQ-AB), con los parámetros adoptados por el Atlas de Medidas de Coordinación del Cuidado y por el Observatorio Europeo de Políticas y Sistemas de Salud. Se realizó un estudio transversal, basado en el banco de datos del 3er ciclo del PMAQ-AB. Se crearon tres tipologías de coordinación del cuidado: PMAQ-AB, Atlas y Observatorio. El test de chi-cuadrado se aplicó para comparar las proporciones, el test de Kruskal-Wallis y el de Nemenyi para verificar e identificar eventuales diferencias entre las tipologías. El nivel de significancia fue de 5%. Se evaluaron a 35.350 equipos que realizaron alguna actividad de coordinación del cuidado. Se observó una diferencia significativa (p < 0,001), entre los niveles de coordinación, con mayor porcentaje entre el nivel alto y medio en los tres instrumentos, PMAQ-AB (56,07% y 38,35%), Atlas (52,63% y 40,66%) y el Observatorio (44,82% y 43,98%). En la comparación de los indicadores, hubo una diferencia significativa (p < 0,001) entre las tipologías. Para Brasil, en la tipología PMAQ-AB todos los estratos expusieron un mayor porcentaje entre el nivel alto y medio; en el Atlas, el estrato 1 se destacó en el nivel medio (43,81%) y, en el Observatorio, predominó el nivel alto. En la comparación de los indicadores por estratos, por lo menos un estrato difirió de los demás (p < 0,001). El 6 se distinguió de los demás (p < 0,001), y el 1 difirió de todos (p < 0,001), excepto del 2 (p > 0,05). Los niveles de coordinación del cuidado se diferenciaron entre los instrumentos utilizados. Se identificaron niveles altos y medios, demostrando la necesidad de estudios adicionales.

Why does mental health care not follow the structuring of primary care?

OBJECTIVE: To verify if primary care teams with better structured primary health care (PHC) attributes could offer better mental health (MH) care. METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on data from the external evaluation of the second cycle of the Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB - Access and Quality Improvement of Primary Care Program), involving 31,587 primary care teams, between 2013 and 2014. Two typologies were built: quality of mental health care (dependent variable) and PHC structuring according to essential attributes (independent variable). We identified some contents for the construction of the mental health typology (module II of the PMAQ) and performed sums of questions for the categorization of indices. The Delphi technique rendered consensus in four rounds endorsed by experts, following the attributes of PHC structure. Multinomial logistic regression analyses verified the association between the typologies and identified which attribute most contributed to the quality of mental health care. RESULTS: We found out that 29.2% of the teams are at low levels of quality in assistance to MH, while 7.5% of the teams have a low level of structuring the PHC according to essential attributes. Regional differences are maintained, both for the structuring of the PHC and for the quality of mental health care. There was a greater chance of providing care in MH with better quality when the PHC is better structured at a high level (OR = 14.74) and at a medium level (OR = 2.193). A high level of completeness is associated with a high level of Quality of Care in MH (OR = 3.21). CONCLUSION: results indicate a predominance of low levels of quality in mental health care, out of step with the process of PHC structuring and its essential attributes.

The Budget Impact of Monoclonal Antibodies Used to Treat Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Biological medicines have increased the cost of cancer treatments, which also raises concerns about sustainability. In Brazil, three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)-bevacizumab, cetuximab, and panitumumab-are indicated for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) but not currently funded by the Unified Health System (SUS). However, successful litigation has led to funding in some cases. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the budgetary impact of including the mAbs bevacizumab, cetuximab, and panitumumab in standard chemotherapy for the treatment of mCRC within the SUS of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. METHOD: A budget impact analysis of incorporating mAbs as first-line treatment of mCRC in MG was explored. The perspective taken was that of the Brazilian SUS, and a 5-year time horizon was applied. Data were collected from lawsuits undertaken between January 2009 and December 2016, and the model was populated with data from national databases and published sources. Costs are expressed in $US. RESULTS: In total, 351 lawsuits resulted in funding for first-line treatment with mAbs for mCRC. The three alternative scenarios analyzed resulted in cost increases of 348-395% compared with the reference scenario. The use of panitumumab had a budgetary impact of $US103,360,980 compared with the reference scenario over a 5-year time horizon, and bevacizumab and cetuximab had budgetary impacts of $US111,334,890 and 113,772,870, respectively. The use of the anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mAbs (cetuximab and panitumumab) is restricted to the approximately 41% of patients with KRAS mutations, so the best cost alternative for incorporation would be the combination of panitumumab and bevacizumab, with a cost of approximately $US106 million. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the appreciable costs for incorporating bevacizumab, cetuximab, and panitumumab into the SUS. Appreciable discounts are likely to be necessary before incorporation of these mAbs is approved.

National Program for the Evaluation of Health Services (PNASS) 2015-2016: an analysis on Brazil's hospitals. / Programa Nacional de Avaliação dos Serviços de Saúde (PNASS) 2015-2016: uma análise sobre os hospitais no Brasil.

AIM: The present work aims to evaluate the performance of hospitals participating on the National Program for the Evaluation of Health Services (Programa Nacional de Avaliação de Serviços de Saúde - PNASS, 2015-2016). METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study, which measured the performance of hospitals participating in the program, using data from the first PNASS 2015-2016 evaluation instrument. The processes evaluation questionnaire used in hospitals had 102 items, 17 criteria, grouped into four blocks or dimensions. RESULTS: A total of 1,681 hospitals was evaluated. The average score for each block was: Organizational management (64); technical and logistical support for care provision (73); health care and care management (64); specific services/units (72). Regarding the administrative sphere, the best average performance was of the federal sphere, followed by the state and municipal ones. The hospitals located in the Southern and Southeastern regions presented the best performance (73), followed by the Midwestern (62.7), Northeastern (61.2), and Northern (58.5) regions. CONCLUSION: The hospitals that perform highly complex procedures, just like those large and special ones, obtained a better performance. Public federal hospitals, with municipal management, also had the best results, as well as hospitals from the Southern and Southwestern regions of the country.

OBJETIVO: O estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o desempenho dos hospitais que participaram do Programa Nacional de Avaliação de Serviços de Saúde (PNASS 2015-2016). MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo transversal quantitativo, que buscou mensurar o desempenho dos hospitais que participaram do programa com base nos dados do primeiro instrumento avaliativo do PNASS 2015-2016. O questionário de avaliação de processos aplicado aos hospitais contou com 102 itens, 17 critérios, agrupados em quatro blocos ou dimensões. RESULTADOS: Participaram 1.681 hospitais. O escore médio por bloco foi: gestão organizacional (64), apoio técnico e logístico para produção de cuidado (73), gestão da atenção à saúde e do cuidado (64) e serviços/unidades específicas (72). Com relação à esfera administrativa, o melhor desempenho médio foi obtido pela esfera federal, seguido da estadual e da municipal. Os hospitais localizados no Sul e Sudeste obtiveram o melhor desempenho (73,0), seguido do Centro-Oeste (62,7), Nordeste (61,2) e Norte (58,5). CONCLUSÃO: Os hospitais que realizam procedimentos de alta complexidade, assim como os de grande porte e especiais, obtiveram melhor desempenho. Hospitais públicos federais, de gestão municipal, também alcançaram os melhores resultados, bem como os hospitais do Sul e Sudeste do país.

Syndemic Health Disparities and Sexually Transmitted Infection Burden Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men Engaged in Sex Work in the U.S.

Black men who have sex with men (MSM) engaged in sex work (BMSM-SW) experience elevated HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence. Further, BMSM-SW have been shown to have higher rates of syndemic psychosocial health conditions which contribute to HIV risk behavior and incidence, and poorer care outcomes than other groups of men who have sex with men. However, syndemic perspectives have not been applied to understanding past-year STI burden among BMSM-SW in the U.S. Sexually active Black MSM ≥ 18 years old were recruited from Black Pride events in six U.S. cities (n = 4421) between 2014 and 2017. Multivariable logistic regressions assessed correlates of past-year sex work engagement; whether BMSM-SW had higher odds of syndemic conditions; and whether BMSM-SW had higher odds of self-reported, past-year STI diagnoses. Structural equation models assessed relationships between sex work engagement, syndemic conditions, and STI controlled for sociodemographics and number of sexual partners. A total of 254 (5.7%) Black MSM reported past-year sex work, of whom 45.3% were HIV positive. BMSM-SW were significantly more likely to be Hispanic, to report past-year bisexual behavior, and to report annual income < $10,000. In multivariable models, BMSM-SW were significantly more likely to report intimate partner violence, assault victimization, polydrug use, and depression symptoms; they were also more likely to report past-year gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Syndemic conditions mediated the relationship between past-year sex work and past-year STI burden, constituting a significant indirect effect. BMSM-SW in the U.S. face severe biopsychosocial health disparities. Interventions developed for BMSM engaged in sex work are lacking. Our results suggest that interventions containing safer sex work education and sex-positive biobehavioral HIV/STI prevention alongside substance use, mental health, employment, and education components will be most effective.

Olhares sobre a assistência em Saúde Mental na Atenção Primária à Saúde em municípios de pequeno porte: emergência de práticas inovadoras / Miradas sobre la asistencia en Salud Mental en la Atención Primaria de la Salud en municipios de pequeño porte: emergencia de prácticas innovadoras / Views on Mental Health assistance in Primary Care at small cities: emergence of innovative practices

Ações de Saúde Mental na Atenção Primária em Saúde (APS) constituem um desafio no âmbito da Reforma Psiquiátrica Brasileira (RPB). Objetivou-se a compreensão das práticas realizadas com pessoas em condições de sofrimento mental na APS em municípios de pequeno porte. O estudo qualitativo com utilização da etnometodologia envolveu gestores e profissionais da APS em municípios do Vale do Jequitinhonha. Os resultados permitiram sistematizar ações da APS: desvendar o mundo dos transtornos mentais intramuros pela visita domiciliar e a presença na escola; transitar entre universos distintos, de formatos tradicionais até os problemas de Saúde Mental advindos das redes sociais; expansão de abordagem e apoio aos pacientes de Saúde Mental e percepção pela APS da transferência de estigmas operando na rede de Saúde Mental. Conclui-se que a APS faz parte do projeto de RPB, também de forma humanizada, aprofundando-a. (AU)

Acciones de Salud Mental en la Atención Primaria de la Salud (APS) constituyen un desafío en el ámbito de la Reforma Psiquiátrica Brasileña (RPB). El objetivo fue la compresión de las prácticas realizadas a las personas en condiciones de sufrimiento mental en la APS en municipios de pequeño porte. Estudio cualitativo con utilización de la etnometodología que envolvió a gestores y profesionales de la APS en municipios del Vale de Jequitinhonha. Los resultados permitieron sistematizar acciones de la APS: desvendar el mundo de los trastornos mentales intramuros, por la visita domiciliaria y de la presencia en la escuela; transitar entre universos distintos, de formatos tradicionales hasta los problemas de salud mental provenientes de las redes sociales; expansión de abordaje y apoyo a los pacientes de salud mental y percepción por parte de la APS de la transferencia de estigmas operando en la red de salud mental. Se concluyó que la APS forma parte del proyecto de RPB, también de forma humanizada y profundizándola. (AU)

Mental health actions in primary care are a challenge within the scope of the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform. We aimed to understand the primary care practices provided for people with mental illness in small cities. This qualitative study used ethnomethodology and involved primary care managers and professionals from cities located in Vale do Jequitinhonha. The results enabled us to systematize primary care actions: to unveil the world of intramural mental disorders through home visits and presence at schools; to move between different universes, from traditional formats to mental health problems arising from the social media; to expand the approach to and support for mental health patients; and to perceive the transfer of stigmas operating in the mental health network. We conclude that primary care, which has the provision of humanized care as one of its principles, is part of the project of the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform and deepens it. (AU)

Why does mental health care not follow the structuring of primary care? / Por que a assistência em saúde mental não acompanha a estruturação da atenção primária?

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To verify if primary care teams with better structured primary health care (PHC) attributes could offer better mental health (MH) care. METHODS: Cross-sectional study based on data from the external evaluation of the second cycle of the Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB - Access and Quality Improvement of Primary Care Program), involving 31,587 primary care teams, between 2013 and 2014. Two typologies were built: quality of mental health care (dependent variable) and PHC structuring according to essential attributes (independent variable). We identified some contents for the construction of the mental health typology (module II of the PMAQ) and performed sums of questions for the categorization of indices. The Delphi technique rendered consensus in four rounds endorsed by experts, following the attributes of PHC structure. Multinomial logistic regression analyses verified the association between the typologies and identified which attribute most contributed to the quality of mental health care. RESULTS: We found out that 29.2% of the teams are at low levels of quality in assistance to MH, while 7.5% of the teams have a low level of structuring the PHC according to essential attributes. Regional differences are maintained, both for the structuring of the PHC and for the quality of mental health care. There was a greater chance of providing care in MH with better quality when the PHC is better structured at a high level (OR = 14.74) and at a medium level (OR = 2.193). A high level of completeness is associated with a high level of Quality of Care in MH (OR = 3.21). CONCLUSION: results indicate a predominance of low levels of quality in mental health care, out of step with the process of PHC structuring and its essential attributes.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Verificar se equipes de atenção básica que possuem atributos mais bem estruturados da atenção primária à saúde (APS) conseguem oferecer melhor assistência em saúde mental (SM). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado a partir dos dados da avaliação externa do segundo ciclo do Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB), envolvendo 31.587 equipes de atenção básica, entre 2013 e 2014. Foram construídas duas tipologias: qualidade da assistência em saúde mental (variável dependente) e estruturação da APS segundo atributos essenciais (variável independente). Para a construção da tipologia de saúde mental, foram identificados conteúdos sobre o tema no módulo II do PMAQ e realizados somatórios das perguntas para a categorização dos índices. Para a estruturação da APS segundo atributos, utilizou-se técnica Delphi para consensualidade em quatro rodadas referendadas por especialistas. Com análises de regressão logística multinomial, verificou-se associação entre as tipologias e identificou-se qual atributo mais contribuía para qualidade da atenção em saúde mental. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que 29,2% das equipes encontram-se em um nível baixo de qualidade em assistência à SM, enquanto 7,5% das equipes apresentam um nível baixo de estruturação da APS segundo atributos essenciais. Diferenças regionais são mantidas, tanto para estruturação da APS quanto para a qualidade da assistência à saúde mental. Evidenciou-se uma chance maior de realizar uma assistência em SM com melhor qualidade quando a APS está mais bem estruturada em nível alto (OR = 14,74) e em nível médio (OR = 2,193). Alto nível de Integralidade está associado a alto nível de Qualidade da Assistência em SM (OR = 3,21). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados indicam que há predomínio de baixos níveis de qualidade da assistência à saúde mental, em descompasso com o processo de estruturação da APS, considerando seus atributos essenciais.