Conceptions, instruments and strategies for health surveillance planning

Abstract This study aims to discuss the use of planning and programming of actions for the sanitary control of Health Surveillance in health services in Brazilian states, from the perspective of managers and consultation with health plans. Qualitative approach study carried out based on ten interviews with managers of state Health Surveillance, available in a research database financed by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, and in health plans with free access on the institutional websites of the respective states. The results showed conceptions about planning, from the programming of actions, integrated planning, definition and achievement of goals to the practice of planning. Some management instruments were also mentioned, such as state health plans and quarterly reports. The analysis of state health plans showed the still scarce approach to guidelines, goals and indicators specifically aimed at Health Surveillance. It was possible to identify that planning, although more focused on programming activities, is present in the work process of state Health Surveillance teams, and its approach is still little mentioned in state health plans.