This paper presents the theoretical reference and methodology applied by the Group of Study on Children's and Adolescent's Health of the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, in their qualitative research aiming at the integral assistance to children's and adolescent's health. The authors describe the health sector in current Brazilian society, where the health actions take place, following with the presentation of the Study Group. After that, they develop the theoretical reference and methodology, defining the analytical - politics and social policies, technological organization of work, health services, child and family. To conclude, the authors present an outline of the results of investigations carried out in the last three years (1995 to 1997).
integral assistance to children and adolescent; pediatric nursing; neonatal nursing