This work, which has explanatory cross-sectional nature and is largely qualitative, aims to analyze the work process of municipal managers of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in order to grasp the concept of management that permeates their health actions. Data were collected through semistructured interviews taped, with the managers of the FHS belonging to 12 municipalities of the Terceira Coordenadoria Regional de Saúde do Rio Grande do Sul (3ªCRS/RS), totaling 15 subjects. The thematic analysis brought together a dialectical approach, following the footsteps of pre-analysis, exploitation and processing of material and interpretation of results. The results were organized into three sub-themes elucidating the actions developed by the managers under consideration: 1) Action for organization / operation of Family Health; 2) Actions for training and continuing education; 3) Actions for monitoring and evaluation. Two management concepts arise from the work process, the first being related to the management classic / traditional and the second on the precepts of co-management. In conclusion, it appears that the working process of the managers at the 3rd ESF CRS / RS has strengths and weaknesses related to design management structures that work. Thus, it is suggested to revise some practices, so that the co-management is the preferred design used for the administration of Family Health.
Family Health Program; Health management; Unified Health System
