Admissions for conditions sensitive to primary health care, 2008-2015: an analysis of the impact of the expansion of the Family Health Strategy in the city of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract Background The municipality of Rio de Janeiro has presented an important expansion of Primary Health Care coverage through Family Health Strategy since 2009, and it is important to evaluate the impact of this agenda. Admissions Rate by Primary Care Sensitive Conditions is an indicator used in order to assess the effectiveness of PHC. Objective Evaluate the repercussion of the expansion of Family Health Strategy (FHS) on admission for conditions sensitive to primary health care (ICSAP) from 2008 to 2015. Method FHS and ICSAP coverage indicators were analyzed between 2008 and 2015 in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. Correlation between the indicators was obtained using Spearman's coefficient and the rate ratio was calculated using as a parameter the year immediately preceding the expansion of coverage in the municipality (2008). Results Results identified a trend towards increased FHS coverage and reduced ICSAP indicators, inverse correlation between FHS coverage and the proportion of hospitalizations due to ICSAP (r = -0.888, p = 0.020), and between FHS coverage and ICSAP rate (r = -0.753, p = 0.031). Significant correlation was observed between the rate ratios of coverage indicators as of 2011 and the hospitalization rates as of 2013. Conclusion Expansion of PHC in the city of Rio de Janeiro had a positive impact on hospitalizations because of conditions that were sensitive to PHC. It is necessary to discuss the standardization of services for PHC units and the encouragement of the qualification of professionals in the area.