Evaluation of the implementation of an intervention aimed at expanding Covid-19 testing, case telemonitoring and surveillance actions in Primary Health Care.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the degree of implementation of an intervention aimed at expanding testing, isolation, quarantine, and telemonitoring of Covid-19 cases (TQT-Covid-Strategy) in primary healthcare units within an administrative health region of a municipality in Northeastern Brazil.

METHODS

A decision matrix was used with dimensions and criteria derived from a logical model developed based on literature review and technical guidelines of the World Health Organization, the Brazilian Ministry of Health, and the host municipality of the administrative health region. Interviews were conducted with 121 key informants.

RESULTS

The degree of implementation in the 17 health units surveyed (12 Family Health Units and five health centers) varied according to the final classification, dimensions, and criteria. Overall, most units were considered as having the intervention partially implemented, with the highest rated dimension being "accessibility to testing," implemented in 82.3% of the units, followed by the use of the "digital platform," partially implemented in 15 units. The dimension with the lowest score percentage was "monitoring cases and surveillance strategies".

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention led to significant improvements in access to testing, supported by the adoption of communication strategies that enhanced the population's adherence. Contextual, operational, technical, and acceptance factors among health professionals and users represented important challenges to implementation. To ensure sustainability and dissemination of this strategy, investments are required to strengthen Primary Health Care, including improvement in infrastructure, expansion of the health workforce, and professionals training.