Matrix of essential competencies in health promotion: a proposal for the Brazilian context

The article presents a Matrix of Essential Competencies in Health Promotion, directed to the context of Brazilian health professionals (CompEPS). It is a methodological study, carried out from September 2017 to March 2018. The validation of the matrix was guided by the Delphi methodology, by electronic means, and the use of the Google Forms tool. Thirty-nine professors of Higher Education Institutions, with representation from all regions of the country, composed the panel of experts. The initial material that triggered the preparation of the Matrix was the European document originating from the Developing Competencies and Professional Standards for Health Promotion Capacity Building in Europe (CompHP) project, being analyzed in two rounds. The items were agreed when they reached the minimum of 80% agreement among the panelists. After obtaining a consensus regarding its content and textual clarity, the CompEPS Matrix was outlined in 45 core competencies grouped in nine domains, incorporating principles and foundations of Brazilian health policies and aligned with the documents guiding the health formative processes, conferring singularity and directed to the daily life of the actions carried out in collective health by professionals in Brazil. It is considered that the CompEPS Matrix will contribute to the qualification of the training in health and the certification of the competencies for the actions effectively promoters of health, carried out by the professionals in their diverse scenarios of performance.