The contribution of Portuguese nursing to universal health access and coverage

Authors

  • Ananda Maria Fernandes Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra
  • Aida Maria de Oliveira Cruz Mendes Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra
  • Maria Neto da Cruz Leitão Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra
  • Sérgio David Lourenço Gomes Direção Geral da Saúde
  • António Fernando Salgueiro Amaral Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra
  • Maria da Conceição Saraiva da Silva Costa Bento Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.1068.2671

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the contribution of Portuguese nursing to improving universal health access and coverage by means of the identification of nurses in the health system; evolution of health indicators; and access-promoting systems, in which nurses play a relevant role. Method: this was documentary research of publications fromnational and international organizations on planning and health outcomes. Statistical databases and legislation on health reforms were consulted. Results: nurses represent 30.18% of human resources in the national health service; the systems of access promotion performed by nurses have good levels of efficacy (95.5%) and user satisfaction (99% completely satisfied); in the local care the creation of Community Care Units (185) occurred, and 85.80% of home consultations were performed by nurses. Conclusion: political strategies, the National Health Service and strengthening of human resourcesin healthcareare the main determinants. Nursing is the most numerous professional group in the National Health Service, however numbers remaindeficient in primary health care. The improvement of academic qualification and self-regulation of this professional group has allowed for better answers inimproving health for the Portuguese.

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Published

2016-01-01

Issue

Vol. 24 (2016)

Section

Original Articles

License

RLAE’s authorship concept is based on the substantial contribution by each of the individuals listed as authors, mainly in terms of conceiving and planning the research project, collecting or analyzing and interpreting data, writing and critical review. Indication of authors’ names under the article title is limited to six. If more, authors are listed on the online submission form under Acknowledgements. The possibility of including more than six authors will only be examined on multicenter studies, considering the explanations presented by the authors.
Including names of authors whose contribution does not fit into the above criteria cannot be justified. Those names can be included in the Acknowledgements section.
 Authors are fully responsible for the concepts disseminated in their manuscripts, which do not necessarily reflect the editors’ and editorial board’s opinion.

 

How to Cite

The contribution of Portuguese nursing to universal health access and coverage . (2016). Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 24, e2671-. https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.1068.2671