Gestão de crise no sistema de atenção primária: desafios e estratégias em uma unidade básica de saúde em Parnamirim/RN

Abstract

Crisis Management in the Primary Health Care System (PHC), particularly in a Basic Health Unit (BHU), presents complex challenges requiring quick and strategic responses. Among the main obstacles are the overload of demands, the scarcity of human and material resources, and the need for coordination with other levels of care, especially in small cities. The general objective of this research was to analyze the reality of crisis management in a Basic Health Unit in Parnamirim, RN, during crisis situations. To achieve this, qualitative data collection was conducted through an interview with the unit's director, and quantitative research was carried out by applying a questionnaire to the staff. Based on data analysis, it was possible to outline how the Professor Clóvis Gonçalves dos Santos Basic Health Unit handles critical moments, the strategies employed, and the professionals’ perspectives on crisis management. Additionally, the importance of implementing crisis management as a model to be followed was analyzed. The method used was a cross-sectional, field-based, descriptive, and prospective study, employing a quantitative approach. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and percentages), with a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). The results revealed significant difficulties in crisis management due to the lack of specific planning and insufficient training to prepare professionals for routine challenges faced by the unit. It is concluded that future studies should expand the analysis to include various Basic Health Units in Parnamirim/RN and other municipalities, enabling a broader comparison of challenges and crisis management strategies in Primary Health Care. Long-term studies could also evaluate the impact of implemented actions over time and their effectiveness in different contexts.