Theoretical Approaches to Evaluate Efficiency and Efficacy in Primary Healthcare Services in the Public Sector

Abstract

Several theoretical approaches to public services are presented, particularly in public health, following the guidelines of international bodies. Special emphasis is placed on primary healthcare services, and a characterization of their basic features, such as, accessibility, coordination, integrality, and longitudinality, is also made. Efficiency and efficacy are analyzed from different perspectives, though particular attention is given to proper resource use and goal accomplishment. Besides, evaluation is dealt with as a tool for decision making.