Comprehensive and integrated care in healthy aging policies: comparison between Portuguese and Brazilian health systems

Abstract

This study investigated how comprehensive and integrated care is expressed in the legislation of the Portuguese National Health Service and the Brazilian Unified Health System, especially in healthy aging policies. This qualitative and exploratory study was based on documentary research and included laws, decrees, ordinances, and plans, published until 2020. Twenty-four documents were selected, 12 from Portugal and 12 from Brazil. The data was subjected to content analysis. The findings indicated that Primary Health Care is the level of care responsible for integrating care in both countries. Both invested in the formation of care networks, intersectoral coordination, and the adoption of information and communication technologies to facilitate integration. Healthy aging policies have emphasized the importance of care at the community level, integrating users, their families, health equipment, and other sectors, promoting autonomy, and preventing chronic diseases and violence. The transformations in both countries follow scientific evidence published by the World Health Organization and research centers focused on healthy aging that contributes to making their systems more efficient and problem-solving. It is hoped that the aspects discussed will contribute to the development of successful ways of overcoming current challenges, such as those imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.