Construindo estratégias de desenvolvimento profissional com os agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS)

Abstract

Faced with the increasingly complex problems that arise in Primary Health Care (PHC), solutions are needed that require complementary perspectives on care. Thus, investing in training, professional development and permanent qualification of health teams, especially the community health agentes (CHA), can be a fruitful way to face these challenges. However, due to the increasing flexibility of family health teams and the work of, CHA there is a growing devaluation of these workers. In this sense, this study constitutes a first step towards reflecting on the improvement of the work of the CHA, with an emphasis on two essential activities: registration and community guidance, with the aim of contributing to the enhancement of the PHC. Thus, understanding and valuing the perception of CHAs about their own work process, instituting professional development strategies, together, can contribute to the qualification, mainly of registration and educational activities. This research has a qualitative approach, carried out in a Family Health Unit (FHU) in Rio de Janeiro, with CHA, based on the interview model proposed by Cardoso, 1986, structured in four modules. The analysis of the transcripts of the interviews used the model proposed by Ginzburg, 1989. Subsequently, the results of the study were returned to the CHA at the FHU. This allowed the recognition of biographical aspects, perceptions about practical work, and life stories of the CHA, which modulate their professional identification. In addition, it showed the link with the territory and how these CHA are one of the pillars of the Family Health Strategy. The work of these individuals has great challenges and many advantages, such as the gratitude of people whose needs are met, despite the complex task of equalizing the supply of services and the demand of the population. Despite this, the CHA still play a supporting role in the work process, despite the appreciation of teamwork. It is important to say that the disruption of registration and community guidance are challenges arising from strikes, the change in the management model, the pandemic, and the work overload. Therefore, equipping the CHA with tools that can improve their work is essential to deal with the challenges and strengthen the PHC, as long as they are articulated with the needs of workers and the territory.