Management of work, education, information, and communication in primary healthcare in cities in Southern and Northeastern Brazil

Silveira, Denise

Management of work, education, information, and communication in primary healthcare in cities in Southern and Northeastern Brazil

Wednesday, 20 August 2014

Exhibit hall (Dena'ina Center)

Denise S Silveira, PhD , Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil

Fernando V Siqueira, PhD , Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil

Roberto X Piccini, PhD , Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil, Pelotas, Brazil

Elaine Tomasi, PhD , Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil

Elaine Thumé, PhD , Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil

Suele M Silva, PhD , Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil

Aliteia Dilelio, MS , Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil, Pelotas, Brazil

Maria de Fátima S Maia, MS , Universidade Federal de Rio Grande- FURG, RIO GRANDE, Brazil

Luiz A Facchini, PhD , Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Decentralization in Brazil’s Unified National Health System is challenging the management capability at the local level. Municipalities are required to operate health teams, provide infrastructure, technology, and supplies for the health services, and organize the work process.

METHODS: An epidemiological survey assessed the management of work, education, information, and communication in primary care services in 41 municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants each in the Northeast and South of the country. Descriptive analyzes included the verification the proportions of variables. A scale with
values from 0 (worst rating) to 10 (best reviewed) was used to investigate the views of
respondents. Values between 0 and 4 were considered low, between 5 and 7, moderate and above 7 high. Proceeded to the stratified analysis according to the region studied.

RESULTS: Health professionals and administrators were insufficiently trained for their daily responsibilities, and the infrastructure and management tools were deficient. Precarious work contracts (lack of formal job stability) for health workers is a serious problem in Brazil’s primary care system. The work supervision was weakly linked to health care and planning. Continuing education for the health team was limited, and health information focused only on collection of data to send to the State and Federal management levels.

CONCLUSIONS: Thus far health communication has been ineffective as a tool to connect primary care managers and professionals to the population and society.