Redes sociales virtuales y Salud. Una experiencia participativa sobre la enfermedad renal crónica / Virtual social networks and Health. A participatory experience about chronic kidney disease / Redes sociais virtuais e Saúde. Uma experiência participativa sobre a doença renal crônica

Día tras día aumenta la presencia de las redes sociales virtuales en el campo sanitario; sin embargo, pocos autores reportan los avances y dificultades que enfrentan al usarlas. Realizamos un trabajo participativo en Guadalajara, México utilizando dichas redes en cuatro proyectos sobre la enfermedad renal: una investigación, un canal en YouTube, un libro digital y una página en Facebook. Académicos, enfermos, familiares y asociaciones participaron en el proceso. Obtuvimos la información mediante triangulación metodológica e hicimos análisis de contenido. Según nuestros resultados, destaca el análisis del panorama hispanoamericano sobre este tema, la difusión del trabajo colaborativo a la población general y la diversidad de usos de las redes sociales por individuos enfermos. Concluimos que se requiere continuar esta línea de trabajo para ampliar su potencial en el campo sanitario, mediante la colaboración de académicos y otros actores sociales.

Virtual social networks are increasingly present in the health field; however, few authors report the advances and difficulties related to their use. A participatory study using such networks was conducted in Guadalajara, Mexico. Four projects involving kidney disease were implemented: a survey, a YouTube channel, an e-book, and a Facebook page. Students, patients, family members, and associations participated in the process. Information was obtained through method triangulation and content analysis. The findings of this study highlight the analysis of the Hispanic-American perspective on this theme, the diffusion of the collaborative work to the population, and the diversity of uses of social networks by sick individuals. The study concluded that it is necessary to continue this line of work in order to expand its potential in the health field through the collaboration of students and other social actors.

Dia a dia, a presença de redes sociais virtuais aumenta no campo da saúde; no entanto, poucos autores relatam os avanços e as dificuldades que enfrentaram ao usá-las. Realizamos um trabalho participativo em Guadalajara, México, usando tais redes. Implementamos quatro projetos sobre a doença renal: uma pesquisa, um canal no YouTube, um livro digital e uma página no Facebook. Acadêmicos, pacientes, familiares e associações participaram do processo. Obtivemos informações através da triangulação de métodos e análise de conteúdo. De acordo com nossos resultados, destaca-se a análise do panorama hispano-americano sobre esse tema, a difusão do trabalho colaborativo para a população e a diversidade de usos das redes sociais por indivíduos doentes. Concluímos que é necessário continuar esta linha de trabalho para expandir seu potencial no campo da saúde e através da colaboração de acadêmicos e outros atores sociais.

[Social participation and health: a collaborative experience on chronic kidney disease.] / Participación social y salud: una experiencia colaborativa sobre la enfermedad renal crónica.

OBJECTIVE: To identify challenges derived from renal insufficiency, as well as potential solutions and an agenda for action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: y adopting a collaborative research approach, diverse stakeholders -sick people, family members, advocacy groups, health professionals, and academics- participated in two gatherings in the context of the World Kidney Day in Guadalajara, Mexico and created an agenda for action. Data was gathered through group discussions. RESULTS: Two main issues are faced by kidney sick people and their family members: the first one related with health services and, second, the lack of economic resources to pay for renal treatment. The agenda for action included rallying on public squares, installing day of the dead altars, video making, and publishing a book. CONCLUSIONS: Participation of diverse stakeholders is a valuable option to face challenges derived from renal insufficiency.

OBJETIVO: Identificar los obstáculos derivados de la insuficiencia renal, las alternativas de solución y el plan de acció. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: A partir de un modelo colaborativo, diversos actores sociales ­individuos enfermos, familiares, asociaciones civiles, profesionales de salud y académicos­participaron en dos encuentros en Guadalajara, México con motivo del Día Mundial del Riñón y elaboraron un plan de acción. La información se obtuvo mediante grupos de discusión. RESULTADOS: Los individuos enfermos y sus familias enfrentan dos problemas prioritarios: uno relacionado con los servicios de salud y el otro con la carencia de recursos para el pago de las terapias renales. El plan de acción incluyó marchas en plazas públicas, colocación de altares de muertos, elaboración de material audiovisual y publicación de un libro. CONCLUSIONES: La participación de diversos actores es una opción valiosa para enfrentar desafíos derivados de la insuficiencia renal.

Participación social y salud: una experiencia colaborativa sobre la enfermedad renal crónica / Social participation and health: a collaborative experience on chronic kidney disease

Resumen: Objetivo: Identificar los obstáculos derivados de la insuficiencia renal, las alternativas de solución y el plan de acción. Material y métodos: A partir de un modelo colaborativo, diversos actores sociales -individuos enfermos, familiares, asociaciones civiles, profesionales de salud y académicos- participaron en dos encuentros en Guadalajara, México con motivo del Día Mundial del Riñón y elaboraron un plan de acción. La información se obtuvo mediante grupos de discusión. Resultados: Los individuos enfermos y sus familias enfrentan dos problemas prioritarios: uno relacionado con los servicios de salud y el otro con la carencia de recursos para el pago de las terapias renales. El plan de acción incluyó marchas en plazas públicas, colocación de altares de muertos, elaboración de material audiovisual y publicación de un libro. Conclusión: La participación de diversos actores es una opción valiosa para enfrentar desafíos derivados de la insuficiencia renal.

Abstract: Objective: To identify challenges derived from renal insufficiency, as well as potential solutions and an agenda for action. Materials and methods: By adopting a collaborative research approach, diverse stakeholders -sick people, family members, advocacy groups, health professionals, and academics- participated in two gatherings in the context of the World Kidney Day in Guadalajara, Mexico and created an agenda for action. Data was gathered through group discussions. Results: Two main issues are faced by kidney sick people and their family members: the first one related with health services and, second, the lack of economic resources to pay for renal treatment. The agenda for action included rallying on public squares, installing day of the dead altars, video making, and publishing a book. Conclusion: Participation of diverse stakeholders is a valuable option to face challenges derived from renal insufficiency.

Organ donation and transplantation in Mexico. A transplantation health professionals' perspective.

OBJECTIVE:: We aimed to explore organ donation and transplantation in Mexico from the point of view of transplantation health professionals. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: A qualitative study was carried out. Twenty six organ transplantation health professionals from seven states of Mexico participated. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted mainly in hospital settings. Critical discourse analysis was performed. RESULTS:: According to participants, living organ transplantation offers benefits for recipients as well as for donors. Several factors influence the field of transplantation negatively, among them the scarcity of resources that impedes the incorporation of new health personnel, as well as conflicts between transplantation teams with diverse health professionals and authorities. CONCLUSION:: Besides increasing economic resources, transplantation health personnel should be sensitized to find solutions in order to avoid conflicts with different health professionals. Studies on organ donation and transplants also should include other social actors' viewpoint.

Organ donation and transplantation in Mexico. A transplantation health professionals' perspective

Resumen Objetivo: Explorar la donación y trasplante de órganos en México desde la perspectiva del personal de salud de trasplantes. Material y métodos: Investigación cualitativa. Participaron 26 profesionales de trasplantes en siete estados de México. Fueron realizadas entrevistas semi-estructuradas en los hospitales. Se hizo análisis crítico del discurso. Resultados: Según los participantes, el trasplante de vivo relacionado ofrece beneficios para el receptor y donador. Diversos factores inciden negativamente en el campo de los trasplantes, la carencia de recursos económicos impide la incorporación de nuevo personal, así como los conflictos entre los equipos de trasplantes con otros profesionales de la salud y autoridades. Conclusión: Es necesario aumentar los recursos económicos y sensibilizar al personal de salud de trasplante para evitar conflictos con los diferentes profesionales de la salud, así como realizar más estudios que incorporen la perspectiva de otros actores sociales.

Abstract: Objective: We aimed to explore organ donation and transplantation in Mexico from the point of view of transplantation health professionals. Materials and methods: A qualitative study was carried out. Twenty six organ transplantation health professionals from seven states of Mexico participated. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted mainly in hospital settings. Critical discourse analysis was performed. Results: According to participants, living organ transplantation offers benefits for recipients as well as for donors. Several factors influence the field of transplantation negatively, among them the scarcity of resources that impedes the incorporation of new health personnel, as well as conflicts between transplantation teams with diverse health professionals and authorities. Conclusion: Besides increasing economic resources, transplantation health personnel should be sensitized to find solutions in order to avoid conflicts with different health professionals. Studies on organ donation and transplants also should include other social actors’ viewpoint.

A comparative study of renal care in Brazil and Mexico: hemodialysis treatment from the perspective of ESRD sufferers.

Renal replacement therapy is the indicated treatment for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to survive. However, not all sick people have access to the same treatment. This study compares renal care in two developing countries with different health systems. Specifically, it explores hemodialysis treatment from the perspective of low-income individuals. A qualitative, comparative study was performed in Brazil and Mexico. Using purposive sampling, the research was based on open-ended interviews with nineteen participants with kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis treatment in public hospitals and ten relatives. According to our results, Brazilian participants perceived hemodialysis care as satisfactory because of health personnel courtesy as well as free access to dialysis treatment, prescription drugs, hospitalization and transportation. However, they reported deficiencies in the care they were receiving due to shortages of specialists, prescription drugs, laboratory tests and transportation. Mexican participants, in contrast, highlighted the catastrophic costs of medical care because they had no free access to renal therapy, nor adequate financial resources. Our findings suggest that low-income Brazilian CKD sufferers experience renal care differently, as they are more satisfied and face less obstacles with hemodialysis compared with those of Mexico. More studies on the topic are needed.

[Living in hemodialysis without social insurance: The voices of renal sick people and their families]. / Viviendo con hemodiálisis y sin seguridad social: las voces de los enfermos renales y sus familias.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the perspectives and practices of renal sick people and their families without social insurance regarding problems faced while on dialysis treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative research was developed in Guadalajara, Mexico. Thirty-seven renal sick people on hemodialysis and 50 relatives participated; all affiliated to Seguro Popular. Information was gathered through individual and group interviews. Directed content analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Renal sick people and their families face multiple difficulties while on hemodialysis treatment; nevertheless, economic ones are perceived as a priority due to treatment expenses, lack of financial resources and non-coverage of kidney disease by Seguro Popular. Multiple actions are combined in a circular searching for help process to face the economic burden. CONCLUSION: Hemodialysis treatment is an unbearable economic burden for renal sick people and their families without social insurance. Universal access to renal therapies should be implemented urgently.

Viviendo con hemodiálisis y sin seguridad social: las voces de los enfermos renales y sus familias / Living in hemodialysis without social insurance: The voices of renal sick people and their families

Objetivo. Examinar las perspectivas y las prácticas de enfermos renales y de sus familias sin seguridad social en relación con los problemas que enfrentan en el tratamiento de hemodiálisis. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo en Guadalajara, México. En éste participaron 37 enfermos renales en hemodiálisis afiliados al Seguro Popular y 50 familiares. Se obtuvo la información mediante entrevistas individuales y grupales, a partir de análisis de contenido dirigido. Resultados. Los enfermos renales y sus familias enfrentan múltiples dificultades en el tratamiento de hemodiálisis. Las de tipo económico son prioritarias por los costos de la terapia y la carencia de recursos, y por el hecho de que el Seguro Popular excluye la cobertura de la enfermedad renal. Las personas enfrentan tales dificultades combinando acciones en un proceso circular de búsqueda de ayuda. Conclusión. El tratamiento de hemodiálisis representa una carga financiera insostenible para los enfermos renales sin seguridad social y sus familias. Urge implementar un sistema de acceso universal a las terapias renales.

Objective. To examine the perspectives and practices of renal sick people and their families without social insurance regarding problems faced while on dialysis treatment. Materials and methods. A qualitative research was developed in Guadalajara, Mexico. Thirty-seven renal sick people on hemodialysis and 50 relatives participated; all affiliated to Seguro Popular. Information was gathered through individual and group interviews. Directed content analysis was carried out. Results. Renal sick people and their families face multiple difficulties while on hemodialysis treatment; nevertheless, economic ones are perceived as a priority due to treatment expenses, lack of financial resources and non-coverage of kidney disease by Seguro Popular. Multiple actions are combined in a circular searching for help process to face the economic burden. Conclusion. Hemodialysis treatment is an unbearable economic burden for renal sick people and their families without social insurance. Universal access to renal therapies should be implemented urgently.

[Hispanic American kidney patients in the age of online social networks: content analysis of postings, 2010 - 2012]. / Enfermos renales hispanoamericanos en la época de las redes sociales virtuales: análisis de contenido de sus publicaciones, 2010 - 2012.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the use of online social networks by people with chronic kidney disease, their caregivers, and family members, living in Hispanic American countries, and identify the most frequent topics and subtopics in their postings. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted of postings by chronic kidney patients, their caregivers, and family members, living in Hispanic America, on five social networks: Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, and YouTube, from 2010 to 2012. The internal search engines of each network were used with medical and lay terms in Spanish: chronic kidney disease, renal failure, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, renal transplant, renal patient, nephropathy, and kidney patients association. An analysis was carried out of the thematic content of 1 846 postings on Facebook, Blogger, and WordPress. RESULTS: A total of 162 social network accounts were identified (97 individuals and 65 groups); the majority was in Mexico (46), with others in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru (44 accounts). The most frequent topics were exchange of information (46.0%), descriptions of experiences as patients (17.9%), support (15.6%), descriptions of experiences with health services (8.5%), interaction with peers (3.5%), and promotion of behavior change (3.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic kidney patients living in Hispanic America use online social networks to inform and to be informed, describe their experiences with the disease and health services, and as a support mechanism. This produces knowledge that is different from and complementary to knowledge conveyed by health professionals. There is a pressing need to promote studies of the opportunities that these technologies offer in the Americas, a region characterized by enormous social inequality.

Enfermos renales hispanoamericanos en la época de las redes sociales virtuales: análisis de contenido de sus publicaciones, 2010 - 2012 / Hispanic American kidney patients in the age of online social networks: content analysis of postings, 2010 - 2012

OBJETIVO: Describir la utilización de las redes sociales virtuales (RSV) por parte de personas con enfermedad renal crónica, sus cuidadores y familiares, residentes en países hispanoamericanos e identificar los temas y subtemas más frecuentes en sus publicaciones. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo de las publicaciones de los enfermos renales crónicos, sus cuidadores y familiares, residentes en Hispanoamérica en cinco redes sociales: Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, Wordpress y YouTube, entre 2010 y 2012. Se utilizaron los motores internos de cada red con términos médicos y legos: enfermedad renal crónica, insuficiencia renal, diálisis peritoneal, hemodiálisis, trasplante renal, enfermo renal, paciente renal, nefrópata y asociación de enfermos renales. Se realizó el análisis de contenido temático de 1 846 publicaciones de Facebook, Blogger y Wordpress. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 162 cuentas (97 individuales y 65 colectivas); la mayoría se localizó en México (46) y en Argentina, Chile, Colombia y Perú (44 cuentas). Los temas más frecuentes fueron el intercambio de información (46,0%), el relato de vivencias como enfermo (17,9%), el apoyo (15,6%), los relatos sobre experiencias con los servicios de salud (8,5%), la interacción con pares (3,5%) y la promoción de cambios de conducta (3,4%). CONCLUSIONES: Los enfermos renales crónicos residentes en Hispanoamerica utilizan las RSV para informar e informarse, relatar sus vivencias con la enfermedad y los servicios de salud, y como mecanismo de apoyo. Esto genera conocimientos diferentes y complementarios a los aportados por los profesionales de la salud. Urge fomentar estudios sobre las posibilidades que brindan estas tecnologías en las Américas, región caracterizada por una enorme desigualdad social.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the use of online social networks by people with chronic kidney disease, their caregivers, and family members, living in Hispanic American countries, and identify the most frequent topics and subtopics in their postings. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted of postings by chronic kidney patients, their caregivers, and family members, living in Hispanic America, on five social networks: Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, and YouTube, from 2010 to 2012. The internal search engines of each network were used with medical and lay terms in Spanish: chronic kidney disease, renal failure, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, renal transplant, renal patient, nephropathy, and kidney patients association. An analysis was carried out of the thematic content of 1 846 postings on Facebook, Blogger, and WordPress. RESULTS: A total of 162 social network accounts were identified (97 individuals and 65 groups); the majority was in Mexico (46), with others in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru (44 accounts). The most frequent topics were exchange of information (46.0%), descriptions of experiences as patients (17.9%), support (15.6%), descriptions of experiences with health services (8.5%), interaction with peers (3.5%), and promotion of behavior change (3.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic kidney patients living in Hispanic America use online social networks to inform and to be informed, describe their experiences with the disease and health services, and as a support mechanism. This produces knowledge that is different from and complementary to knowledge conveyed by health professionals. There is a pressing need to promote studies of the opportunities that these technologies offer in the Americas, a region characterized by enormous social inequality.

Achievements and barriers in the organ donation process: a critical analysis of donation coordinators' discourse.

CONTEXT: Donation coordinators play an important role in the success or failure of organ donation and transplant programs. Nevertheless, these professionals' perspectives and practices have hardly been explored, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. OBJECTIVE: To examine donation coordinators' discourse on the organ donation process and the barriers they perceive. DESIGN: A critical qualitative study was carried out in Guadalajara, Mexico. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Twelve donation coordinators from public and private hospitals participated. DATA GATHERING AND ANALYSIS: Data were gathered by using semistructured interviews and critical discourse analysis. RESULTS: Participants indicated that partial results have been achieved in deceased organ donation. Concomitantly, multiple obstacles have adversely affected the process and outcomes: at the structural level, the fragmentation of the health system and the scarcity of financial and material resources; at the relational level, nonegalitarian relationships between coordinators and hospital personnel; at the ideational level, the transplant domain and its specialists overshadow the donation domain and its coordinators. Negative images are associated with donation coordinators. CONCLUSIONS: Organ donation faces structural, relational, and ideational barriers; hence, complex interventions should be undertaken. Donation coordinators also should be recognized by the health system.

[A qualitative study on health care to chronically ill people in Popular Health Insurance program]. / Estudio cualitativo sobre la atención médica a los enfermos crónicos en el Seguro Popular.

OBJECTIVE: To examine health care provided to chronically ill people in the Popular Health Insurance (Seguro Popular) from the perspective of patients and health professionals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative study was carried out in Guadalajara, Mexico. 40 chronically ill people, and 14 health professionals of primary health centers participated in the study. Information was gathered using semi-structured interviews; critical discourse analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Seguro Popular has meant gains and losses to participants. Cronically ill people value it positively since it is perceived as a gift, not a social right. Some obstacles impede participants accessing health care, obtaining medications and analysis. Conflictive relations also cause tensions between patients and health professionals. CONCLUSION: The initial goals of Seguro Popular are not achieved regarding health care to chronically ill people. The perspectives of sick people should be prioritized.

Estudio cualitativo sobre la atención médica a los enfermos crónicos en el Seguro Popular / A qualitative study on health care to chronically ill people in Popular Health Insurance program

OBJETIVO: Examinar la atención médica que brinda el Seguro Popular a los enfermos crónicos en México, desde la perspectiva de quienes padecen las enfermedades y también de los profesionales de la salud. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio cualitativo en la ciudad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México, donde se entrevistó a 40 enfermos crónicos y a 14 profesionales sanitarios de primer nivel; posteriormente, se realizó un análisis crítico del discurso. RESULTADOS: El Seguro Popular ha significado ganancias y pérdidas para los participantes. Los enfermos lo valoran positivamente al considerarlo un regalo, mas no un derecho social. Sus carencias económicas y de recursos les impiden acceder a la atención médica, obtener medicamentos y realizarse estudios de laboratorio, también generándose relaciones conflictivas con los profesionales. CONCLUSIÓN: Los propósitos del Seguro Popular distan de lograrse en la atención a los enfermos crónicos. El Seguro tendría que ser objeto de análisis, y otorgar prioridad a la perspectiva de los enfermos y del personal de salud operativo.

OBJECTIVE: To examine health care provided to chronically ill people in the Popular Health Insurance (Seguro Popular) from the perspective of patients and health professionals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative study was carried out in Guadalajara, Mexico. 40 chronically ill people, and 14 health professionals of primary health centers participated in the study. Information was gathered using semi-structured interviews; critical discourse analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Seguro Popular has meant gains and losses to participants. Cronically ill people value it positively since it is perceived as a gift, not a social right. Some obstacles impede participants accessing health care, obtaining medications and analysis. Conflictive relations also cause tensions between patients and health professionals. CONCLUSION: The initial goals of Seguro Popular are not achieved regarding health care to chronically ill people. The perspectives of sick people should be prioritized.

Investigación cualitativa en salud: una revisión crítica de la producción bibliográfica en México / Qualitative health research: a critical review of recent work in Mexico

OBJETIVO: Examinar críticamente la producción bibliográfica sobre la investigación cualitativa en salud (ICS) en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Revisión de 128 trabajos publicados en la década del 2000 al 2009. Su búsqueda y recuperación se hizo mediante consulta de índices, buscadores y bases de datos, así como consultando a académicos. Se hizo análisis de frecuencias y de contenido. RESULTADOS: La producción en este campo se incrementa notoriamente en el periodo analizado, se difunde a nivel nacional e internacional y aparece mayoritariamente en revistas de salud pública y medicina social. Su consolidación, no obstante, dista de ser realidad dada su concentración institucional, territorial y temática, su dependencia de la teoría fundamentada, su olvido de temas sanitarios y actores importantes y su impacto marginal en el campo científico. CONCLUSIONES: La investigación cualitativa en salud logra avances en México pero enfrenta serios desafíos para consolidarse. Varias propuestas se presentan para fortalecerla.

OBJECTIVE: This paper critically examines recent work on qualitative health research (QHR) in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review was conducted of 128 articles published between 2000 and 2009. A literature search was done drawing together a verse of indexes, search engine, data bases and citations, as well as interviewing researchers. A frequency and content analysis was carried out. RESULTS: QHR has expanded significantly, both nationally and internationally, and papers published in public health and social medicine journals. However, several factors impede its consolidation: the institutional, territorial and thematic concentration of studies, the dependency on grounded theory, the selective nature of the research topics and populations; and its marginal scientific impact. CONCLUSIONS: QHR has grown in México, but its consolidation faces serious challenges. Several proposals are discussed that could strengthen the field.

[Qualitative health research: a critical review of recent work in Mexico]. / Investigación cualitativa en salud: una revisión crítica de la producción bibliográfica en México.

OBJECTIVE: This paper critically examines recent work on qualitative health research (QHR) in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review was conducted of 128 articles published between 2000 and 2009. A literature search was done drawing together a verse of indexes, search engine, data bases and citations, as well as interviewing researchers. A frequency and content analysis was carried out. RESULTS: QHR has expanded significantly, both nationally and internationally, and papers published in public health and social medicine journals. However, several factors impede its consolidation: the institutional, territorial and thematic concentration of studies, the dependency on grounded theory, the selective nature of the research topics and populations; and its marginal scientific impact. CONCLUSIONS: QHR has grown in México, but its consolidation faces serious challenges. Several proposals are discussed that could strengthen the field.

Entre la disponibilidad y el acceso a la atención médica: la mirada de los enfermos crónicos en condiciones de pobreza / Between the availability and accessibility to health care: the perspective of patients with chronic diseases living in poverty

La atención a los enfermos crónicos es un problema cada vez más complejo; de allí que la evaluación de los programas dirigidos a este grupo cobre interés creciente. Este trabajo examina la disponibilidad y el acceso a la atención médica desde la perspectiva de quienes viven con padecimientos crónicos y en la pobreza. Se realizó una evaluación cualitativa en una ciudad mexicana. Participaron diez personas con enfermedades crónicas, mayores de 60 años. Se realizaron 45 entrevistas, llevándose a cabo análisis de contenido. Según los hallazgos, tres modelos coexisten en materia de acceso y uso de la atención médica: uno vinculado a la seguridad social; otro a los servicios públicos de salud, y un tercero a los servicios médicos privados. Pero el hallazgo primordial común pone en evidencia la brecha existente entre los recursos sanitarios disponibles y el acceso y uso limitado de la atención médica debido a obstáculos de diversa índole.

Health care of people with chronic diseases is a complex issue; hence there is a growing concern to evaluate health programs oriented to such group. This paper examines availability and accessibility to health care from the perspective of those with chronic diseases living in poverty. A qualitative evaluation was carried out in a Mexican city. Ten persons with chronic diseases, and above 60 years, participated in the study. Forty five interviews were carried out; data were content analyzed. According to the findings, there are three models for accessing and using health care: one is linked to the social security; another to public health services, and a third one related to private health services. Nevertheless, the main common finding shows that there is a gap between existing health care resources and the access and a minor utilization of them due to multiple obstacles.

Los usos de la investigación cualitativa en salud ¿algo más allá de la difusión de resultados? / Uses of qualitative research in health. Is there something beyond the dissemination of results?

En este trabajo examinamos el destino de los resultadosde la investigación cualitativa en el área de la salud. Lo hemos dividido en dos partes: en la primera identificamos tres enfoques empleados comúnmente para difundir y aplicar los resultados de la investigación en salud. Uno, cuyo objetivo es trasmitir los conocimientos a la academia; otro interesado en su transferencia y traducción para la elaboración y fortalecimiento de las políticas y los programas de salud y; el último orientado a la población. En la segunda parte exponemos una serie de reflexiones en torno a una propuesta relacional y dialógica de difusión y uso de la nvestigación cualitativa en salud, en el contexto específico de los países latinoamericanos.