Reference and contra reference system in a community heslth service

Abstract

This study has been carried out at the Community Health Service of the Conceição Hospital/ Porto Alegre/RS, with the aim of describing its reference and contra reference system. After two weeks observing this system, patients were interviewed at home. The results sho wed the demand of the service relating to the various levels of assistance. Some problems that prevent the reference system from its best functioning in this service were also pointed out.