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Covid-19 testing in Primary Health Care: professionals' perceptions.
Denise Nogueira Cruz1, Sandra Garrido de Barros1,2, Ana Clara de Rebouças Carvalho1
1Universidade Federal da Bahia. Faculdade de Odontologia. Departamento de Odontologia Social e Pediátrica. Salvador, BA, Brasil.
Revista De Saude Publica
|May 6, 2026
Summary
Primary Health Care (PHC) professionals found expanding Covid-19 testing in basic health units (BHUs) necessary, but faced challenges with coverage, infrastructure, and communication. Strengthening PHC is crucial for future pandemic preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid adaptation of healthcare services.
- Primary Health Care (PHC) plays a vital role in community-level health responses.
- Understanding healthcare professionals' perspectives is key to optimizing service delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze Primary Health Care (PHC) professionals' perceptions of COVID-19 testing within basic health units (BHUs).
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 22 PHC professionals in Brazil.
- Content analysis utilized a deductive approach, categorizing findings based on health system components.
- Participants were selected based on their direct involvement in pandemic response measures.
Main Results:
- Professionals highlighted challenges related to PHC coverage limitations, insufficient infrastructure, and human resources.
- Service organization, care models, and work processes, particularly in family health teams, were impacted.
- Weaknesses in communication between health secretariats and BHUs were identified.
Conclusions:
- Expanding and decentralizing COVID-19 testing in BHUs is perceived as necessary.
- Effective pandemic response requires coordinated actions, preparedness plans, and strengthened PHC.
- Investment in infrastructure, team training, and occupational health is essential for resilient health systems.
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