Referral Flow to the Dental Specialties Center of Muritiba Municipality: An Analytical Approach to the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Care

Abstract

This study evaluated the quality of services provided at a Dental Specialties Center (CEO), considering physical, environmental, biosafety aspects, and the effectiveness of care. The facilities were adequate, with sufficient equipment and good-quality biosafety supplies, despite maintenance issues. The user profile showed a predominance of women (38.9 years old, mostly living in urban areas), with a significant limitation in the collection of general health information. The waiting time analysis revealed an average higher than the ideal, reflecting structural and organizational difficulties. Additionally, the study identified gaps in medical record documentation, particularly the absence of referral forms and information about counter-referrals, compromising the completeness of care. The most sought-after specialties were surgery and periodontics, with a critical level of completeness in medical records, affecting treatment continuity and service quality. These findings highlight the importance of improving clinical documentation, the integration between primary and specialized care, and the efficiency of counter-referral processes to ensure comprehensive care.