Matrix support in worker’s health in Paraná, Brazil: potential and challenges

Abstract

Introduction:

the duties of the Occupational Health Reference Centers (Cerest) are under discussion in Brazil regarding the support processes for the implementation of Occupational Health actions in the Unified Health System (SUS). The Matrix Support (MS) project provides a new competence to these units in order to overcome the fragmentation of the Brazilian Network of Integral Care to Workers’ Health (Renast).

Objective:

to analyze the MS actions in Occupational Health (OH) developed by Cerest units within the scope of the Health Department of the state of Paraná, Brazil.

Methods:

a descriptive, exploratory, and qualitative approach was conducted in 2016. The study applied an electronic form for semi-structured interviews with 35 participants of MS activities in OH and content analysis of the information collected.

Results:

the improved dialogical relationship between matrix-assistants and matrix-assisted evidenced the MS potentiality providing a greater bond and appropriation of the characteristics of the state territories.

Discussion:

the difficulties identified consisted of the number and constitution of the teams, which limits the appropriation of theoretical assumptions of OH and the effective MS implementation.

Keywords:
occupational health; health management; matrix support