Abstract
Objective:
To identify how the references and counter-references occur in the care of preterm, low and/or very low birth weight newborn after discharge from the Neonatal Unit in the Health Care System.
Methods:
Qualitative, exploratory-descriptive research. A total of 31 professionals from the Primary Health Care Units, Joinville/SC, were interviewed from September to October, 2014. Categorical thematic content analysis was used.
Results:
Three categories emerged. Communication between the reference hospital and Primary Health Care Unit; Follow-up records of preterm and/or low weight infants; Hospital visit as strategy to guarantee the references and counter-references. The health professionals considered the process of reference/counter-reference to be precarious, without adequate records of procedures performed and referrals made, and that the Children's Health Record Book was insufficiently used.
Conclusion:
It is necessary to strengthen inter-institutional communication to guarantee adequate reference/counter-reference among the health services, and to make professionals aware of the importance of the records.
Keywords:
Child Care; Primary Health Care; Infant, Premature; Health Services