Longitudinalidade das ações de cuidado materno-infantil na atenção primária à saúde

Abstract

In Brazil, over the years, multiple strategies have been developed to improve the health of the maternal and child population among them was the institution of the stork network. Primary Health Care (PHC) incorporates the principles of SUS and is an important point for strengthening and organizing this network. Primary care differs from other levels of care for it has essential and derived attributes. Among these attributes, this research has focused on longitudinality, which stands out as a central characteristic of PHC, being quite relevant for its proper functioning. This study aimed to understand how the longitudinality of maternal and child care actions in primary care is presented in a city in the interior of Rio Grande do Norte (RN). This is a qualitative, analytical-descriptive study, developed from data collected using the interview technique, based on a semi-structured script, carried out from January to August 2020 in the municipality of Caicó-RN. Data analysis was performed by transcribing the interviews, using data triangulation. The results presented showed that longitudinality was presented through the actions developed, favoring the creation of bonds, good communication, exchange of knowledge, and user adhesion. However, some problems in this process were highlighted. It was also noted that several strategies were described by professionals and residents to guarantee the longitudinality of the maternal and child care actions in PHC. The investment in more dynamic actions, strengthening of bonds, the use of social networks for communication, calling the population, and carrying out planning was the most cited actions. The results also raised relative issues to the training process of the residents in the care services, bringing their performance is strongly associated with the acquisition of important instruments for longitudinality. It was understood that the actions performed were quite relevant for maternal and child care, and the assistance produced promoted the regular offer of care followed the health needs presented by the population, and favored comprehensive care.