Professional development in primary care in Horizonte, Ceará: Continuous education and population demands

Abstract

Healthcare professionals working in primary care in the municipality of Horizonte, Ceará, need to engage in continuous learning to meet the complex demands of the local population. In this context, permanent health education (PHE), conducted within the workplace, contributes to professional development aligned with community needs. This study aims to explore PHE in the daily work of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) from a perspective that values the agency of professionals. Methodologically, this is a convergent care research composed of five phases: conception, instrumentation, investigation, analysis, and interpretation. Twelve (12) professionals from the FHS and the Extended Family Health and Primary Care Center (NASF-AB) of a primary health unit in the municipality of Horizonte, Ceará, participated in the study. Data collection employed the “Culture Circle” method, as proposed by Paulo Freire (1991). The results indicate that professionals recognize PHE as a potential enhancer of the FHS, strengthening the bond with users. However, they identify challenges in involving residents in dialogues and planning with family health teams. They also perceive the work environment as a crucial learning space, arising from the real needs of those who use the services, and recognize that teamwork and interaction with the local population contribute to a professional practice aligned with user demands.