This study aimed to compare health professionals' social representations concerning the Brazilian Health Care System (Sistema Único de Saúde), with a basis on the social representations theory. Research was conducted with 105 professionals in five health care institutions in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data collection was accomplished through subjects' free evocations, and its analysis was provided by EVOC software. Results revealed a tension between negative and positive elements of representation. The group of 50 years old and more structured its representations in terms of negativity, subjects' assistance, and responsibility. The younger subjects stressed the Brazilian Health Care System's positive aspects and its philosophy. Comparison regarding subjects' functions revealed that the administrative professionals have built a positive image of the Brazilian Health Care System, while the operational professionals presented negative and cared-based elements. It is concluded that the study allowed for identifying contradictions in the elements of the same representation, demonstrating variations in function of the social-professional characteristics of the groups studied.
Brazilian Health System; Health policy; Health systems; Qualitative research