This paper has the aims of synthesizing some of the approaches related with the use of epidemiology in health services, of describing some proposals and of discussing the feasibility and obstacles for structuring epidemiological practices inside Unified Brazilian Health System (SUS). The essay describes some aspects of the epidemiology’s crisis and analysis some constraints to the use of epidemiological knowledge in health services management. The main achievements and turn backs related to that issue, during the SUS implementation processes, are identified. Finally, some proposals related to the development of a counter hegemonic epidemiology are discussed looking forward the creation of a new public health practice based on planning and management of a effective, democratic, human and equitable health system.
Epidemiology; Health services; Planning