THE BRAZILIAN UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM AS A NETWORK-BASED HEALTH CARE MODEL: INTEGRATION, GOVERNANCE, AND QUALITY OF CARE

Abstract

The Unified Health System (SUS) is established as a network-based health system model grounded in the principles of universality, comprehensiveness, and equity, and structured through the integration of different levels of care. This study aimed to analyze SUS from the perspective of service integration, governance, and quality of care, based on a qualitative, descriptive-exploratory literature review. The research was conducted using the SciELO, Latindex, and BDENF databases, in addition to official documents from the Ministry of Health and relevant legislation, considering the time frame from 2022 to 2026. The results highlighted advances in the organization of Health Care Networks, particularly the coordinating role of Primary Health Care and the incorporation of digital technologies as strategies to enhance integration. However, persistent challenges were identified, including fragmentation of care, regional inequalities, the complexity of intergovernmental governance, and difficulties in consolidating quality practices. It was observed that the effectiveness of SUS as a network-based system depends on the articulation of public policies, workforce qualification, and the strengthening of evaluation and social participation mechanisms. It is concluded that, although SUS demonstrates significant potential to ensure comprehensive health care, its consolidation requires continuous investment, innovative management approaches, and the strengthening of integration, governance, and quality of care strategies.