Performance of community health agents in the family health strategy: workers’ perceptions

Abstract

Doi: 10.5902/2179769211210 Aim: to identify the perception of the Community Health Agent regarding their work in the context of the Family Health Strategy. Method: qualitative research, developed in six units of FHS bound to the Health Secretary of Santa Maria- RS. The participants of the study were 33 Community Health Agents. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and submitted to thematic content analysis. Results: the professional intervention of the agent is connected to its role as a community mediator and educator in regards to health, able to identify the social necessities and representing a spokesperson of the community. Conclusions: the work of the Community Health Agent is related to the potential to bind the users to the actions of the health team, co-responsibilization, and the possibility to prompt processes of change. The strategies of the Community Health Agents aim to enable the participation of the community and to strenghten the Unified Health System.