OBJECTIVE: To describe the contribution of a shelter-based integrated management of childhood illnesses program for children under the age of five years from a family health unit. METHODS: The study was descriptive. Data were collected from 30 children by a nurse and two licensed practical nurses through participant observation using a guide and field diary. RESULTS: The three themes identified were: communication and promotion of bond; anamnese, clinical assessment, and problem solving, which showed that clinical assessment was the focus of nursing contribution; and utilization of the growth curve and assessment of eating habits need to be further explored. In addition to the children's chief complaints, there were opportunities for identification of needed care priorities and other health problems. CONCLUSION: The shelter-based integrated management of childhood illnesses program contributed to the interdisciplinary work in providing adequate care to the sample of children who participated in this study.
Child health; Integrated management of childhood illness; User embracement; Primary health care