Discourses of the community health agents about the child and adolescent with chronic disease assisted in primary care

Abstract

Objective: to show the discourse of the community health agents about the contribution
of their care actions to the management of the chronic disease of children/adolescents
in primary care. Method: this is a qualitative study, conducted in a municipality of
Paraiba, from November 2015 to May 2016, with ten community health agents working
in the Family Health Strategy. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews
and interpreted based on discourse analysis. Results: in primary care, care actions do
not meet the specific health needs of children/adolescents with chronic disease, and
their monitoring by specialized services of the care network is necessary. The home
visit is performed to achieve goals. Care is inarticulate among team members and
is centered on acute conditions or updating prescriptions. Despite these weaknesses,
the work process of the community health agents allows qualified listening, trust and
security in the relationship with the family, creating a bond. The community health
agents recognize the importance of expanded and resolute care for this population,
including knowledge of the demands, the social context and the development of
unique therapeutic projects. Conclusion: the community health agents need to be
aware of the needs of children/adolescents with chronic disease and their families and seek effective communication in the teams, so shared care actions can
be traced, aiming at the qualified management of the chronic disease.