Análise da implementação de um programa de saúde auditiva infantil na atenção primária

Abstract

Introduction: The World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health have recommended the articulation of Child Hearing Health Programs with primary health care, with the Community Health Agent (CHA) playing an extremely important role in this proposal, due to the scope of the Family Health Strategy and the close relationship of this professional with the families. Objective: Evaluate the implementation of a child hearing health program in primary care. Method: Prospective longitudinal observational study, structured in two stages: (1) Analysis of the effectiveness of an online course for the permanent education of CHA in the area of child hearing health; (2) Analysis of the effectiveness of a Child Hearing Health Program in Primary Care. 2859 enrolled participants in this online course, and of these, 23 formed a specific group of CHA from two basic health units, with face-to-face monitoring. Results: 1842 participants (63.34%) finished the course, with representation from all Brazilian states and also from abroad and from various specialties, predominantly in the medical field. The course was well evaluated and reflected in improved post-training knowledge. 102 children aged zero to two years were followed up by the CHA during the period of one year, proceeding with the referral of 15 of them. A case of conductive hearing loss was found. Conclusion: The self-instructional online course proved to be effective for distance education of CHAs in the area. The Child Hearing Health Program linked to primary care is feasible and promising, however, strategies are necessary to minimize the existing problems.