POTENTIALITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR CARE IN THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CONTEXT

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the potentialities and challenges for the care provided by professionals in the primary health care context. Method: a qualitative research study of the participatory action type, based on Paulo Freire's Research Itinerary, which consists of Thematic Investigation; Coding and Decoding; and Critical Unveiling. It was developed in the first half of 2021, with the participation of 20 professionals, including physicians, nurses, dentists, nursing technicians, dental assistants and community agents, all from a Basic Health Unit in Santa Catarina. Results: the health professionals revealed the team's engagement as potentialities, as well as welcoming, which strengthens interpersonal relationships in Primary Care. As challenges, they highlighted the limited professional appreciation and scarce material and human resources, factors that generate tensions for the assistance to be provided. Conclusion: engagement and interpersonal relationships reveal the professionals' commitment and dedication to promoting comprehensive and good quality care, seeking to overcome the limitations inherent to assistance in Primary Health Care.