[Brazil's Family Health Program according to healthcare practitioners, managers and users].
OBJECTIVE
To examine perceptions among Healthcare Practitioners, Managers and Users of Brazil's Family Health Program (FHP) in two municipalities in Minas Gerais State, Brazil.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews with the Practitioners and Managers focused on: professional training, Family Health Program goals, teams and difficulties encountered in the municipalities; Users responded to a structured questionnaire in households registered with four healthcare units in these municipalities, selected through a random draw.


RESULTS
Practitioners reported that: the requirements for a good team include the personal attributes of its members; they are not satisfied with the FHP organization; prevention is its main goal. Managers ranked intervention at the family level as its main benefit, also mentioning health promotion, education and assistance as other important aspects. Users indicated that: community health agents are the most outstanding professional category; specialists are required in the FHP; most respondents are not engaged in any health-related activities other than consultations; specialized services are preferable to the FHP.


CONCLUSIONS
There are different expectations among all those involved in the FHP, which may undermine the effectiveness of its services.
Ronzani
Telmo Mota
TM
Departamento de Psicologia, Instituto de Ciências Humanas, Campus Universitário, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900. telmo.ronzani@ufjf.edu.br
Silva
Cristiane de Mesquita
Cde M
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs