This paper describes the employee performance appraisal as a work management tool characterized by reversing the classical 'prescription of work' and aims to show the use of this tool in public health policy, analyzing the content of the National Program for the Improvement of Access and Quality of Primary Care (PMAQ-AB). The results are presented and discussed in three groups of analysis categories, (1) the parameters, (2) the ways to conduct the assessment processes and (3) the reward system. We have concluded that the PMAQ-AB has similar characteristics of new personnel management adopted by private enterprises but as a peculiar way of 'prescribed work' in health care system.
Employee performance appraisal; Personnel management; Public health; Primary health care