Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Family health strategy versus health center: types of services from the user’s perception

Abstract

Introduction

The remodeling process of the Brazilian health system has been promoting the transition of the biomedical assistance model to a model anchored in health promotion. This study aimed to understand the user perception on the transition process from health center services to family health strategy.

Methods

Qualitative research performed in Montes Claros - Minas Gerais with the health teams that have gone through the replacement of health care center by the Family Health Strategy. Non-structured interviews were conducted with 12 users, submitted to Thematic Content Analysis.

Results

The service improved after the beginning of Family Health Strategy: it offers more services and integrality in the assistance, which is shown as the main entrance of the health system, and values the humanization in new relations with the professionals. The community health agent had an important role as the element of the family health actions. However, there is a struggle in the access to complementary support, diagnosis, and medicines.

Conclusion

The implantation of the Family Health Strategy has allowed the advent of a new panorama in primary care. However, it should ensure greater effectiveness and user satisfaction.

Keywords:
primary health care; family health strategy; health centers; health promotion; health services

Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Avenida Horácio Macedo, S/N, CEP: 21941-598, Tel.: (55 21) 3938 9494 - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brazil
E-mail: cadernos@iesc.ufrj.br