Contributions from continuous education to family health extended centers

ABSTRACT

Objective

To analyze and understand how continuous education inserts itself into the Family Health Extended Centers.

Method

Quanti-quanlitative research. Developed on the quantitative stage with 359 professionals from nine macro regions of Santa Catarina answered a Survey; on the qualitative one, five teams participated in focal groups. The quantitative data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, and the qualitative ones, with the support of the Atlas.ti 8.0.

Results

The professionals are women, graduate students and who act in the Centers for more than three years. About 50% received specialized qualification and, of them, 46,1% by means of the Telehealth. Typical actions of matrix support were highlighted as frequent activities on the two stages of the study. The groups revealed that the Health Ministry and the State are supporters of the qualifications; however, it lacks managerial support.

Conclusion and Implications for practice

Educational actions occur during the practices. The professionals demonstrate initiative to strengthen themselves in qualification terms, either through postgraduate studies or search for other devices, highlighting the Telehealth and integration with Universities. Spaces for dialogue between professionals and management support are important strategies for continuous education.

Keywords:
Primary health care; Family health; Professional practice; Continuous education; Professional training