title: [Strategies for tackling absenteeism in dental appointments in the Family Health Units of a large municipality: action research].
abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze the reasons for missed appointments in dental Family Health Units (FHU) and implement strategies to reduce same through action research. This is a study conducted in 12 FHUs in Piracicaba in the State of São Paulo from January, 1 to December, 31 2010. The sample was composed of 385 users of these health units who were interviewed over the phone and asked about the reasons for missing dental appointments, as well as 12 dentists and 12 nurses. Two workshops were staged with professionals: the first to assess the data collected in interviews and develop strategy, and the second for evaluation after 4 months. The primary cause for missed appointments was the opening hours of the units coinciding with the work schedule of the users. Among the strategies suggested were lectures on oral health, ongoing education in team meetings, training of Community Health Agents, participation in therapeutic groups and partnerships between Oral Health Teams and the social infrastructure of the community. The adoption of the single medical record was the strategy proposed by professionals. The strategies implemented led to a 66.6% reduction in missed appointments by the units and the motivating nature of the workshops elicited critical reflection to redirect health practices.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Odontologia Social, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Unicamp, Piracicaba, SP, Brasil, apereira@fop.unicamp.br.
authors.forename: Claudia Ângela
authors.initials: CÂ
authors.lastname: Gonçalves
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Odontologia Social, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Unicamp, Piracicaba, SP, Brasil, apereira@fop.unicamp.br.
authors.forename: Fabiana de Lima
authors.initials: Fde L
authors.lastname: Vazquez
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Odontologia Social, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Unicamp, Piracicaba, SP, Brasil, apereira@fop.unicamp.br.
authors.forename: Glaucia Maria Bovi
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Ambrosano
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Odontologia Social, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Unicamp, Piracicaba, SP, Brasil, apereira@fop.unicamp.br.
authors.forename: Fábio Luiz
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Mialhe
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Odontologia Social, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Unicamp, Piracicaba, SP, Brasil, apereira@fop.unicamp.br.
authors.forename: Antonio Carlos
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Odontologia Social, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Unicamp, Piracicaba, SP, Brasil, apereira@fop.unicamp.br.
authors.forename: Karin Luciana Migliato
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Sarracini
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Odontologia Social, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Unicamp, Piracicaba, SP, Brasil, apereira@fop.unicamp.br.
authors.forename: Luciane Miranda
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Guerra
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Odontologia Social, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Unicamp, Piracicaba, SP, Brasil, apereira@fop.unicamp.br.
authors.forename: Karine Laura
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Cortellazzi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D003752:Dental Health Services; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D055815:Young Adult