Reflections on learning in Primary Health Care (PHC): an experience report

Abstract

Primary Health Care (PHC), also referred to as Basic Health Care and defined based on the Alma-Ata Declaration, constitutes the main entry point to the Brazilian Unified Health System. The essential attributes of PHC include first contact, longitudinality, comprehensiveness, and coordination of care. Derived attributes include family orientation, community orientation, and cultural competence, which enhance the effectiveness and quality of the care provided. Thus, in daily service practice, these essential attributes aim at health promotion, protection, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, carried out by multiprofessional teams focused on the individual, the family, and the community. The study aimed to report the experience of living in PHC, articulating the attributes and elements of the work process with the reality of a Family Health Unit. This is an experience report developed from a theoretical-practical activity linked to the Teaching-Service-Community Integration Program II module of the Medical Course at a university located in the western region of Paraná, Brazil. Data collection was guided by a work plan previously prepared by the faculty, based on theoretical frameworks from the literature. During the experience, the presence of strong bonds between the team and the community was observed, as well as the professionals’ commitment to health promotion and health education actions. However, weaknesses were identified in the recording and monitoring of users with chronic conditions, as well as inconsistencies in the application of risk classification and in the organization of home visits. In addition, difficulties were noted in the integration among professionals from different categories, which impacts the coordination of care and the comprehensiveness of attention. It is concluded that, although PHC has shown advances in strengthening the Family Health Strategy, it still faces challenges related to the management of the work process and the effective implementation of its essential attributes. The experience reinforced the importance of academic insertion in health services, promoting meaningful and critical learning about the potentials and limits of daily practice in PHC.