Characterization of work of nurses and health professionals in Support Center for Family Health in Primary Health Care

Abstract

Introduction: Assessing the work of primary care health professionals can reveal important information related to the way of providing care, essential for their qualification and meeting the health needs of the population. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the work of nurses in the Family Health Strategy and health professionals in the Centers for Family Health Support in a city from Paraíba, Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which nurses from the Family Health Strategy and health professionals from the Family Health Support Centers of the city of Campina Grande were enrolled, comprising 52 professionals, 20 nurses and 32 from other health training. A structured questionnaire with information about professional formation, working characteristics and professional satisfaction was used. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the State University of Paraíba. Results: Nurses highlighted lack of solidarity and recognition at work. Most professionals from the Centers for Family Health Support showed uncertainty due to work instability and fear of being dismissed. Both professional groups expressed low satisfaction with the physical structure, the unaccompanied attention to population and meetings with the community. Conclusion: The city professionals of Primary Health Care must deal with restrictions imposed by structural problems in the health units and labor bonds marked by insecurity, lack of solidarity and low recognition.