Vertical integration in health as a management strategy: a single case study in an oncology service of a health operator

Abstract

The network fragmentation and the lack of health services user communication lead to a pilgrimage for health care. Cancer patients, perhaps, are more dependent on holistic care and an interconnected network. This study analyzes the network region of a supplementary health operator, which has been implementing a vertical structure in the oncology health service. It compares the expenses for the treatment of prostate and breast cancer in the network of providers and in the service itself, and understands the perception and challenges of the managers in the implementation of the vertical health structure. Approaches were adopted - qualitative and quantitative - and the method, one study of case for data evaluation and compilation of the results obtained from a content analysis. The results obtained showed that the infusion of chemotherapeutic drugs in a dedicated service for breast and prostate cancer treatment of can be 17% and 7%, respectively cheaper than the same service offered in a third-party network, and that an implementation of the vertical structure in health offers greater integration between involved professionals, greater responsibility for care, and promotes the exchange of knowledge, which strengthens the service provided.