Permanent professional education in healthcare services

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To analyze the literature on permanent education, identifying the conceptual evolution and its application in health services in Brazil. Method: An integrative review of the literature was performed. A total of 54 studies written in English, Portuguese and Spanish, published from January 1970 to May 2016 from the databases of the Virtual Health Library, were included. Results: Conceptual problematization was highlighted as a contribution to educational actions, indicating a conceptual development of permanent education in Brazil. However, permanent education actions sometimes occur independently from the work process. There are difficulties in understanding and application, with repercussions for health services, revealing that professionals' and managers' commitment is a challenge. Implications for practice: Continuing education is a field that lacks investments for the transformation of reality in the health service routine in Brazil.