Citotécnico: análise do processo de trabalho em laboratórios de citopatologia e anatomopatologia no Estado do Rio de Janeiro.

Abstract

This study examines the work processes of cytotechnicians employed in Anatomic Pathology and Cytopathology laboratories in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, whose general purpose is: to analyze perceptions among cytotechnicians of the skills needed to perform their jobs; and more specifically: (1) to describe the work activities of cytotechnicians; (2) to identify activity production modes through workplace relationships; and (3) to explore and understand the implications of the work of cytotechnicians on cancer control actions. Conducted at three Anatomic Pathology and Cytopathology laboratories in Rio de Janeiro State, this qualitative, descriptive and social research project involved 33 cytotechnicians. Obtained between January and August 2014 through semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and focus groups, the data were subsequently analyzed through the Bardin Content Analysis technique, with the theme constituting the record unit. The findings showed that 73% of these 33 cytotechnicians were women and 34% were split equally between two age brackets: 41  50 years old and 51  60 years old. For the education variable, 43% held specialty qualifications and 24% were university graduates. In terms of their positions, 73% worked as cytotechnicians while 70% were civil servants. The work of the cytotechnician has a specific characteristic that is unique to these technical level employees: they handle the initial analyses of cytopathologic tests through tight-knit team-based complementary actions involving technical, administrative and educational aspects, grounded on health promotion and disease prevention principles. The physical, material and organizational conditions of their work processes were assessed on a work-place rating scale. The issue of task definition clarity ranked highest with a 4.7% mean score, followed by social and professional relationships at a 4.0% mean score. The Content Analysis findings showed that four categories appeared for their work-place activities, associated with: motivation and career choices steered by persons of influence while studying; access to the job market; quest for professional enhancement; and on-the-job training using a hands-on approach. The production mode concept gave rise to five categories: responsibility for saving lives; criticism of their own work and quality; physical characteristics; activities specific to cytotechnicians and histotechnicians; and positive views of their jobs. Their working conditions resulted in four categories: teamwork and individual responsibilities; ambiguity about autonomy; weak job security; and hope for better professional acknowledgment. The work of cytotechnicians is covered by lax labor regulations, undermining the presence of a specific professional profile compatible with the scope of their actual job routines as observed and resulting in poor working conditions. They affirm they see themselves as buttressing health promotion, appreciatively aware that their work is useful to society.