Background: Despite 18 years since health surveillance regulations were promulgated in Brazil to govern Long-Term Care Institutions for Older Adults (LTCIs), many institutions fail to comply with the Differentiated Regime for Public Procurement (Resolution No. 502/2021) due to structural and operational conditions. This study aimed to investigate Brazilian LTCI managers' understanding of challenges that significantly impact institutional operation and gather suggestions for enhancing RDC No. 502/21.
Methods: A cross-sectional, exploratory, and qualitative study was conducted, involving 90 managers or technical supervisors from Brazilian LTCIs. Data were collected using a self-administered Google Forms instrument and analyzed through Thematic Analysis based on the Organizing for Quality (OQ) framework.
Results: The most impactful challenges for LTCIs were healthcare, financing, human resources, relationship with oversight bodies, and family members.
Discussion: Proposed improvements for RDC No. 502/21 included enhanced professional training, infrastructure revision, increased financial support from the state, realistic oversight/regulations, and tailored monitoring approaches.
Conclusion: LTCIs in Brazil face numerous challenges, and the suggested improvements aim to adapt regulations to institutional realities. However, considering the regulations' variability and purposes, further investigation is warranted.
Keywords: Care; Health care; Long-term care institution for older adults; Older adults; Policy.
© 2024. The Author(s).