This study aimed to expand knowledge on the role and possible contribution of workers in the consolidation of health surveillance services in three municipalities in Greater Metropolitan Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The research used a qualitative methodology based on focus groups and participatory observation. The resulting data were categorized by content analysis. The results pointed to precarious management of the health surveillance services. The main problems were deficiencies in staff education and training, precarious work conditions, lack of resource allocation autonomy and self-management, in addition to prioritization of actions with a limited scope, focused on the control and oversight of products and services, to the detriment of broader activity with other determinants of the health-disease process. Despite this situation, most staff members seek further training on their own and oscillate between the pursuit of alternatives to overcome the difficulties and moments of frustration and discouragement.
Sanitary Surveillance; Resources Management; Workers