Quality indicators in the gastrointestinal care line of an outpatient clinic in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) Care Line model aims to establish standardized protocols that optimize healthcare service organization and integration to enhance efficiency and health out comes within the public health network. Objective: To characterize the demographic and clinical profiles of Gastrointestinal Care Line patients at an outpatient clinic and evaluate diagnostic process efficiency. Methods: A retrospective cohort study analyzed patient’s medical records initiating treatment between August and October 2022, with a 12-month follow-up. Data included anthropometric parameters, lifestyle factors, symptoms, and diagnostic tests. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests assessed variable outcome associations. Ethical approval was granted (CAAE: 67124822.0.0000.5134). Results: We analyzed 76 patients (mean age 58.9 years, 57.3% female). Among follow-up returnees, 74.2% remained in the Care Line, indicating long-term care needs. Gastroesophageal reflux disease affected 27.6%. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) showed abnormalities in 96.6% of cases; colonoscopy and ultrasound detected abnormalities in 55.6% and 58.3% of performed cases. Median waits were 85.48 days for UGE (25% within 5 days), 26.11 days for colonoscopy (75% within 22 days), and 175.17 days for ultrasound. Conclusion: The high prevalence of gastrointestinal complications and substantial risk factors demand urgent optimization of diagnostic delays and sustained Care Line engagement for enhanced outcomes.