Continuing education on child development in primary care: healthcare workers’ perspectives^*

Educação continuada sobre o desenvolvimento infantil na atenção primária: perspectivas dos profissionais de saúde

Educación continua sobre el desarrollo infantil en atención primaria: perspectivas de los profesionales de la salud

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To analyze the contributions of a continuing education with Primary Health Care professionals that promotes child development.

Method:

A continuing education intervention, utilizing a qualitative approach, was conducted among healthcare workers at a Primary Health Care facility in a low-income neighborhood in the city of Recife. The intervention consisted of eight workshops conducted between July and October 2019, with the participation of fifteen healthcare workers. All data from the focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically using Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model as the theoretical framework.

Results:

Through the continuing education intervention, healthcare professionals were able to reflect on their work processes and personal lives and propose actions to improve child development.

Conclusion:

The study findings highlight the significant impact of such interventions in changing perceptions and professional practices related to child development. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of continuing education interventions for promoting healthy child development in primary care settings.

DESCRIPTORES
Child Development; Education; Continuing; Health Personnel; Primary Health Care; Health Promotion