Professionals’ perception of the Family Health Strategy in an inland city in the state of Ceará

• Published in: Revista brasileira em promoção da saúde = Brazilian journal in health promotion Vol. 28; no. 4; p. 596
• Main Authors: Tiago Freire Martins, Vieira, Márcia Vannusa, Taianne Michelle Silva de Souza, Moura de Sousa, Daniel, Saldanha, Katiana Diógenes, Emília Soares Chaves Rouberte, Cristianne Soares Chaves, Révia Ribeiro Castro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Fortaleza Universidade de Fortaleza - Centro de Ciências da Saúde 01-01-2015
• Subjects: Content analysis; Ethics; Health care; Perception; Primary care; Public health; Strategy; Teamwork
• ISSN: 1806-1222; 1806-1230
• DOI: 10.5020/18061230.2015.p596

Objective: To assess the profissional’s perception of the Family Health Strategy in an inland city of the state of Ceará. Methods: Descriptive study of qualitative approach, conducted from February to April 2015 with health professionals from seven Primary Health Units of Limoeiro do Norte, Ceará and a municipal primary care coordinator. The interviews were recorded in a private place on a previously scheduled date. The information was analyzed through content analysis. The following categories were identified: “Implementation of the Strategy”; “Characterization of the actions of the Strategy”; “Perception of the Strategy by the actors”; and “Difficulties encountered in the Strategy implementation”. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University for International Integration of the Afro-Brazilian Lusophony (UNILAB), according to Resolution 466/12. Results: The coordinator had not a clear knowledge of the Strategy implementation process in the city. He highlighted the necessary trusting relationship between professionals and the population for the team to be well accepted in the community, and the importance of a stream of attention in the public health service. Professionals reported satisfaction with the teamwork and good communication between the team members, and they believe they have the necessary training to work in primary care. Additionally, they highlighted the population’s recognition of the work performed, but complained about the lack of support from the municipal management on the provision of inputs for the activities. Conclusion: The participants believe in the importance of teamwork to minimize the Strategy problems, but presented themselves discouraged with the current health situation of the municipality.