Um estudo sobre a utilização do sistema de custeio baseado em atividades (ABC) em uma unidade de diálise

Abstract

To research means to gather knowledge. Such knowledge may arise from various sources; sources such as readings, case studies, fact investigations, document analysis, phenomena observations and any other sort of knowledge gathering activities. However, to gather knowledge is not enough. Spreading and sharing knowledge is what counts. Having in mind this concept and also having noticed the lack of literature concerning the use of cost-based systems inside medical institutions, we present here a research on the practice of a conceptual model of activity-based costs inside a Dialysis Unit, whose cost-object is the hemodyalitical session. We also verify the use and acceptance rates by the involved professionals of the aforementioned system by means of a case study followed by interviews. The ABC System has been chosen due to the belief that it is one of the best cost systems available, especially inside a health;-service environment, due to the fact that it aims to track the spending of resources by activities which are, in turn, themselves consumed by products and services. Firstly, the project presents a panorama of the Brazilian hospital system, describing the scenario in which of the country Dialysis Units are inserted. It also analyzes medical aspects related to dialysis such as chronic renal insufficiency and the dialytical processes, both very relevant and important themes in Nephrology. Secondly, we analyze the relevant aspects of the process of choosing a cost system as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each available system. Finally, we perform a case study, which follows a conceptual model, and then evaluate the use and acceptance rates of the cost system by means of various interviews with professionals involved in Nephrology. The research has indicated that the involved in Nephrology professionals find that the ABC System seems adequate for the Dialysis Unit because it allows for a more accurate analysis of the activities and tasks comprised under a dialytical session, which is the ultimate cost-object of this study.