Grupos na atenção primária à saúde: entre potencialidades e desafios

Abstract

This is a descriptive and exploratory study with the aim of investigating the panorama of health groups carried out in Primary Health Care (PHC) in the municipality of Santa Maria. The objective was to comprehensively understand the extent and nature of health groups carried out in health units, in order to identify the potential and difficulties in carrying them out. To this end, data was collected through an online questionnaire, which was answered by 11 PHC professionals, one representative per health unit, totaling the description of 26 groups. The questionnaire covered questions about the groups held in the health unit where the professional works, in addition to questions about work and professional qualification for activities in such groups. The results indicate that there are several possibilities for action in the context of groups. Regarding perceived difficulties, obstacles were highlighted regarding physical space, user adherence, material and human resources, in addition to professional qualification. Despite this, potentialities were perceived in the groups, such as the promotion of an expanded clinic, social-community interaction and health education. The professionals' reports enabled a greater understanding of this phenomenon, which can contribute to strengthening groups as an important care strategy in PHC.