The Primary Care coordinator and his new role in the Family Health Strategy

Abstract

Since the beginning of the Family Health Strategy (ESF) in the Federal District (DF), some changes in the work process have been gradually incorporated; however, it can be observed that some coordinators tend to isolate themselves, accommodating in their functions and demonstrating resistance to act in different programs. Coordinators need to be aware that health actions within the new model are carried out according to the epidemiological data of each enrolled region, and it is important to expand their views beyond their program. A qualitative research was carried out with the application of a semistructured interview. The findings showed some coordinators believe that the ESF was inefficiently implemented, with lack of resources and planning, resulting in discredit from health professionals and the population. Other coordinators pointed as main difficulties the fragmentation of care, lack of support from local managers for changing the model, shortage of human resources, demand incompatible with the installed capacity and difficulty of communication between the ESF and the Health Center. It can be concluded that the coordinators understand how the ESF works and have sought to strengthen ties with the teams and work in an integrated way.