The importance of Sanitary Surveillance in the evaluation of architectural projects of establishments subject to sanitary control

Abstract

Introduction: The assessment of the physical structure of health facilities and those of interest to health is complex and requires specific technical analysis regarding their spaces and equipment, and it is up to the trained   professional to assess whether all these issues meet the minimum necessary to guarantee health care. Objective: To demonstrate the importance of sanitary surveillance in the evaluation of the physical structure of establishments subject to sanitary control through the analysis of architectural projects. Method: This is an exploratory, retrospective study, using a quali-quantitative approach. The research used secondary data, being authorized by the Board of Surveillance in Physical Structure (DVEF) of the Superintendence of Sanitary Surveillance of the State of Minas Gerais. The study considered the projects submitted to DVEF from January 2019 to December 2020. We sought to identify the main standards used and the main aspects considered in the health licensing process. Results: Lack of accessibility, crossing of flows, spatial disorganization of the environments, lack of ventilation or inadequate ventilation, little or no natural lighting,  insufficient area or even the oversizing of environments, inadequate finishing materials, implantation in an inappropriate location (close to river beds, polluting industries), were some of the problems found in the evaluated architectural projects. Conclusions: The prior assessment of architectural projects of health facilities and of interest to health is another ally in obtaining services that bring together safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in their activities, aiming to eliminate, reduce or prevent health risks inherent to the activities carried out in all types of human health care establishments.