ISSN 1413-3555 Revista Brasileira de Fisioterapia O.pdfVIP

ISSN 1413-3555 Rev Bras Fisioter, São Carlos, v. 16, n. 5, p. 422-30, Sept./Oct. 2012 © Revista Brasileira de Fisioterapia Original article Distribution of physical therapists working on public and private establishments in different levels of complexity of health care in Brazil Distribuição de fisioterapeutas entre estabelecimentos públicos e privados nos diferentes níveis de complexidade de atenção à saúde 1 2 3 4 Larissa R. Costa , José L. R. Costa , Jorge Oishi , Patricia Driusso Abstract Background: The Brazilian Health System is organized on a regional and hierarchical form with three levels of complexity of health care. The Primary Care represents the first element of a continuing health care process, complemented by specialized actions. However, the centrality of the specialized care is still a problem in Brazil, especially in the private sector. Studies on the distribution of professionals in the health system allowing the formulation of appropriate policies are needed. Objectives: To investigate the distribution of physical therapists in the levels of complexity of health care and between public and private