Performance of community health agents in the family health strategy: workers’ perceptions

Abstract

Doi: 10.5902/2179769211210 Aim: to identify the perception of the Community Health Agent regarding their work in the context of the Family Health Strategy. Method: qualitative research, developed in six units of FHS bound to the Health Secretary of Santa Maria- RS. The participants of the study were 33 Community Health Agents. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and submitted to thematic content analysis. Results: the professional intervention of the agent is connected to its role as a community mediator and educator in regards to health, able to identify the social necessities and representing a spokesperson of the community. Conclusions: the work of the Community Health Agent is related to the potential to bind the users to the actions of the health team, co-responsibilization, and the possibility to prompt processes of change. The strategies of the Community Health Agents aim to enable the participation of the community and to strenghten the Unified Health System.

Keywords

• agentes comunitários de saúde
• saúde pública
• enfermagem.