[Community health agents: profile and education]
Carla Kowalski Marzari1, José Roque Junges, Lucilda Selli
1Faculdade Integrada de Santa Maria. carla.marzari@fisma.com.br
Ciencia & Saude Coletiva
|April 20, 2011
Summary
Community health agents
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology of Health
Context:
- The role and training of community health agents (CHAs) lack clear definition.
- Existing training may not align with the practical demands of the Family Health Strategy (FHS).
Purpose:
- To explore the professional identity, profile, and educational needs of community health agents.
- To analyze the perceived gaps in CHA training and their impact on professional development.
Summary:
- This qualitative case study used focus groups with experienced CHAs in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul.
- Findings reveal CHAs construct professional identity based on practical experience, prioritizing technical knowledge over social competence due to perceived educational deficits.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for revised training programs to enhance CHAs' social competence and professional identity.
- Informs policy development for effective community health workforce education and integration within health teams.
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