[Implementation of AUGE plan for chronic renal failure patients. The implementation of Universal Access and Explicit Guaranties Plan (AUGE), generates longer waiting lists among patients with chronic renal failure].

BACKGROUND

An opportune, efficient and low cost medical attention should be provided to all patients, without discrimination. When the need for medical attention outweighs the available resources, permanently increasing waiting lists are generated. The aim of the Universal Access and Explicit Guaranties Plan (AUGE) is to attend selected patients in periods predefined by the health authority.

AIM

To describe the first six months of implementation of AUGE plan for chronic renal failure in a public hospital of Santiago.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

As a health care quality monitoring system, the lapse between the generation of a nephrological consultation and the specialist assessment, is registered periodically. These lapses were evaluated before and after the AUGE plan implementation, for eligible and non eligible patients for the plan. Results were modeled according queue theory.

RESULTS

After three months of implementation, the AUGE plan prolongs waiting periods and increases the number of all patients seeking for nephrological attention.

CONCLUSIONS

According to these results AUGE plan will be successful only if its present functioning is modified and receives more financial resources.