Intrahospital Devices and Care Practices: Implications for Care Comprehensiveness and Continuity

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the care production in a public hospital and the devices used for comprehensive care. Method: This was a health interference study, in which data collection was carried out from September 2019 to June 2022. Observations and field researcher diary records, individual interviews were conducted with coordinators and managers, and focus groups with workers, of a large hospital in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. The empirical material was submitted to thematic content analysis. Results: Devices that contribute to the construction of new management and care practices were identified. These included the Lean in Emergencies project (Fast Track, Kanban, and Huddles tools); the Internal Regulation Unit; the role of hospitalist physicians, co-managers, and shift coordinators; the work of the home care team within the hospital; and devices for interdisciplinary management, such as interdisciplinary bed runs, case discussions, and shared construction of therapeutic projects. Conclusion: The implemented devices contribute to the transformation of the health production model and work process in favor of integrating the hospital into the healthcare system.