The bond formation in the current context of primary care: an experience report

Abstract

This text discusses the formation of bonds between workers and users of health services in the area covered by this research, considering the pandemic and post-pandemic periods, with the purpose of contributing to the construction of care in Primary Health Care (PHC). The experience described was based on observations made during occasional meetings with service users, during visits made by me as a researcher to the unit, between May and September 2023. It seeks to understand the formation of bonds between workers and the community during the pandemic and the current period. In this context, the distancing, due to the “social distancing”, worker turnover and the difficulties in accessing PHC were the main findings that hindered the formation of bonds. In addition, the new National Primary Care Policy weakened these bonds by reducing the number of workers, which often makes the work more technical and deteriorating relational care. However, workers sought ways to promote health with creative communication approaches standing out. However, the rapprochement occurred effectively with the return of routine activities and the prioritization of relational technologies. It is concluded that the return to activities improved the relationship between workers and users.

Keywords:
Primary Healthcare; COVID-19 pandemic; Health; User; Bond