The present article shows how the decentralized access regulation workshops, a communicative-based management strategy adopted in Diadema/SP from 2008 to 2011, resulted in changes in the local work processes, although keeping different rhythms and initiatives among them. After the proposed workshops, it could be identified a reduction of 18% of referrals to specialist consultations, and 9% in support diagnostic tests. The study highlights some of the challenges to enable a greater role of Primary Care in municipal regulatory processes, particularly when health policy defines it as the coordinator of care within the service network.
Primary Health Care; Health services accessibility; Ambulatory care facilities, Health policy, planning and management; Health care coordination and monitoring.