Abstract
Background
This is a qualitative study on the principle of equity using the Theory of Social Representations (TSR) as a theoretical-methodological framework.
Objective
To analyze the social representations of the principle of equity according to the health professionals of the Family Health Strategy (FHS).
Method
Semi-structured interviews were performed with nurses, doctors, and surgeon-dentists who work in the FHS. The speeches were systematized with the software OpenLogos and analyzed according to Bardin's Content Analysis strategy, taking the TRS conceptual perspective as a basis for discussion.
Results
The analytical categories in the study were: “the social representations of professionals about the equity as a principle of SUS” and “the representations of professionals about the equity in professional practice”. The interviews point to a not unique understanding of equity among the participants. Besides, the operationalization of this principle is circumscribed by the individual perception of the definition of the term under the premise of “health equity” or “equity (fairness) in the use of health services”.
Conclusion
The results point towards the notions of equity underlying the logic of care in the Brazilian context, taking into account the limited budget and the big demands from the healthcare system.
Keywords:
equity; equity in health; professional practice; family health strategy
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