The Brazilian Oral Health Survey (SBBrasil 2010) workflow from the coordinators' perspective

Although the workflow of population health surveys may interfere with the quality of the information produced, this aspect has not been investigated in the context of oral health.

To identify the perception of the Brazilian Oral Health Survey (SBBrasil 2010 Project) coordinators regarding the survey's workflow.

Data was collected using an electronic questionnaire sent to the coordinators after the national survey was completed. The variables investigated were grouped into themes spanning the various stages of the survey.

The response rate was of 75.6% (n = 161). The majority of respondents worked as municipal coordinators in the survey (82.6%), were females (68%), worked as civil servants in the public health system (65.2%), and occupied managerial positions (75.8%). The reported positive aspects of the survey were: planning, training and calibration workshops; the logistic support provided by both the health system and the survey's coordination team; the positive relationship between staff members, as well as the survey's acceptance by respondents and health professionals. The financial assistance offered for transportation during the survey and issues related to the grants received by coordinators were seen as negative aspects to be overcome. Most of the respondents reported that the research experience was useful in qualifying staff services and showed interest in participating in future oral health surveys.

The coordinators' perception regarding their workflow in the SBBrasil 2010 Project was mainly positive. The results may contribute to the improvement of future oral health surveys.