| |  | Escorel, Sarah | O Programa de Saúde da Família e a construção de um novo modelo para a atenção básica no Brasil read moreAbstract: As part of the implementation of the country's Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde), the Brazilian Government created, in the second half of the 1990s, the Family Health Program (FHP) (Programa de Saúde da Família), based on community-oriented, multidisciplinary care serving people organized into small groups. For this study, we evaluated the implementation of the FHP, based on three criteria: (1) the construction of the program as an entry point for most health needs and for access to specialized care, (2) the program's linkages with a comprehensive network of health services, and (3) the incorporation of new care practices into the health system. We found that the implementation of the FHP was far from uniform. In some municipalities the FHP is a focused program that runs in parallel with other primary care efforts. However, in other municipalities the FHP is viewed as a strategy aimed at changing the primary care model, and it partially or completely replaces preexisting primary care health units. Our research confirms a trend toward incremental change in the primary care model in Brazil. However, the expansion of the FHP in large urban areas faces several obstacles to guaranteeing all individuals access to comprehensive care with adequate clinical and collective health services, including secondary and tertiary care. The positive results that we found with some of the experiences with the FHP indicate that, in addition to increased federal financial incentives, the success of the FHP depends on creative local strategies to deal with Brazil's diversity. | 2007 |
| |  | Santos, Adriano M. | Linhas de tensões no processo de acolhimento das equipes de saúde bucal do Programa Saúde da Família: o caso de Alagoinhas, Bahia, Brasil read moreAbstract: The study discusses the conflicting situations that arise while receiving oral health teams in Alagoinhas, Bahia, Brazil. The main orientation for the Family Health Program is based on analyzing health care work flowcharts. The current qualitative research used semi-structured interviews and practical observation as the data collection techniques. There were 17 study subjects: group I (dentists and dental assistants - 6); group II (other health workers - 6); and group III (users - 5). Users' first contact with the family health team is in the reception, often in a tense and conflicting atmosphere, but with the potential for alternatives for change, as a privileged space for the use of low-key technologies. The therapeutic process varies: e.g. clinical consultation, emergency care, scheduled follow-up, and referral to other health services in the system. However, oral health teams conduct the reception process in different ways, depending on the practitioners' commitment and unique characteristics. | 2007 |
| |  | Schimith, Maria D. | Acolhimento e vínculo em uma equipe do Programa Saúde da Família read moreAbstract: This study analyzes the work by a Family Health Program (FHP) team, identifying the potential for developing receptiveness by the team and fostering links between the health professionals and clients. This was a case study with a qualitative approach. The data were collected through free observation, a semi-structured interview, and documents. A dialectic approach was used to analyze the material. A relationship was observed between the organization of the work process and the achievement of receptiveness and links to clients. There are gaps in receptiveness to health services clients, especially in the openness to demand, accountability for the population's health problems, and encouragement for client autonomy. Production of links is related to the development of clinical activities. According to FHP team members, health services clients are viewed alternately as subjects and objects. The principles and guidelines of the Unified National Health System (SUS) do not represent a project as conceived by the health professionals. The study concludes by proposing greater nursing staff involvement in clinical activities and receptiveness to users of the program. | 2004 |
| |  | Ramos, Donatela D. | Acesso e acolhimento aos usuários em uma unidade de saúde de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil read moreAbstract: This study focuses on users' views of factors influencing quality of care at a health care unit in the city of Porto Alegre, relating to access and receptivity. The data were collected using a semi-structured interview and participatory observation and treated using thematic analysis. The results compare ease and difficulties in geographic, economic, and functional access. Organization of services and professional competency were determinant factors in ease of reception, leading to user satisfaction. Poor reception and unsatisfactory professional performance were identified as difficulties. The study concluded that there is a need to increase the professional staff, train them in receiving users, implement a complementary modality for dental care, open the facility earlier for scheduling appointments, and prioritize care for residents of the catchment area. | 2003 |