Sanitary Conditions of Primary Health Care Services from the perspective of Sanitary Surveillance

Abstract

Introduction: Sanitary surveillance (SS) is aimed at the risk associated with products and services and is part of the activities related to Primary Health Care (PHC) in its structure and processes. Objectives: To analyze the perception of SS professionals on the sanitary conditions (SC) of PHC services. Methods: Professionals of Sanitary surveillance teams Participated of a Focus Group (FG) of four Sanitary Districts of Salvador. The reports were analyzed based on documents and regulations of the Ministry of Health (MOH). Results: The participants of the FG associated SC to health risks, highlighting problems regarding the structure of services and provision of equipment/materials for actions under the PHC. They presented strategies to minimize risks such as preventive maintenance of equipment, supply of materials for the provision of care, and monitoring and organization of the work process in an appropriate manner. They considered "persistence" as an important trait for the work of SS professionals to achieve the minimization of health risks of workers and users in the PHC. Conclusions: The data collection technique of FG enabled the discussion of the topic and the reflection of professionals on their practices. However, it was found that for the implementation of FG, the focus on the theme is challenging. It is considered that it was difficult for SS professionals to address the possible implications of SC on PHC services and on the health of the population.