[Opinions by physicians from the Family Health Program on four health care priorities proposed by the Agenda for Commitment to Comprehensive Child Health and Reduction of Infant Mortality].
The aim of this study was to understand how physicians from a team in the Brazilian Family Health Program perceive their work in child health, as compared to the program's principles outlined in the Agenda for Commitment to Comprehensive Child Health and Reduction of Infant Mortality, under the Ministry of Health. The backdrop was the strategy for implementation of primary care under the Unified National Health System (SUS). Semi-structured interviews were held, and the material was submitted to content analysis. According to the findings, in general the Agenda is being met. However, there are difficulties with referral and counter-referral; the measures proposed by the Family Health Program require medical and sociological competence and face problems inherent to biomedical training; the infrastructure and inputs are precarious; and the training provided does not prepare physicians sufficiently for a more comprehensive approach. In conclusion, the primary care model in Brazil requires adjustments to the country's reality, and partnerships that transcend the system are necessary.
Alves e Silva
Ana Caroline de Medina
AC
Secretaria de Estado de Saúde e Defesa Civil do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Villar
Maria Auxiliadora Monteiro
MA
Wuillaume
Susana Maciel
SM
Cardoso
Maria Helena Cabral de Almeida
MH
D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D005192:Family Health; D006292:Health Priorities; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009313:National Health Programs; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*