Abstract
Introduction:
ensuring comprehensive care for workers’ health requires systematic actions incorporation in primary health care, and including matrix support is a powerful strategy for its viability.
Objective:
to describe and analyze the matrix support practices adopted by a Occupational Health Reference Center (Cerest) for the incorporation of occupational health actions in the primary care network.
Methods:
a descriptive study was conducted using a semistructured interview with 41 health professionals who participated in the matrix process. The data were analyzed according to the technique of content analysis.
Results:
matrix support allowed the expansion of practices that recognize the primary health network user as a worker and the work as determinant of the health-disease process. Increasing the resolution of cases and the greater articulation between the Cerest professionals and those of the primary care network made possible the referrals reduction to Cerest. Challenges identified include training of supporters, health professionals workload reduction, and greater emphasis on surveillance actions.
Conclusion:
matrix support can operate as a powerful strategy to strengthen occupational health in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).
Keywords:
occupational health; primary health care; matrix support