Health Professionals’ Perceptions after a Hybrid Continuing Education Strategy of the Care for Child Development Project in Primary Health Care
1
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologias em Saúde, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
2
Pediatrics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil
3
Post-Graduate Program Public Health, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil
4
Post-Graduate Program Public Health, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
5
Medical School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
6
CGCRIAJ, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1098
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Continuous professional development in Primary Health Care (PHC) is essential for strengthening health systems and integrating evidence-based practices into early childhood care. Hybrid training models that combine distance learning with face-to-face activities are promising for balancing quality and practical applicability. The Care for Child Development project in PHC (CDC-PHC) adapted the World Health Organization and UNICEF approach to the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) through a hybrid program with a 30-hour online theoretical module and an 8-hour in-person practical component.
OBJECTIVE:
To assess health professionals’ perceptions of the CDC online course and practical training, focusing on counseling skills development, clinical practice, and applicability within PHC services.
METHODS:
This exploratory qualitative study included professionals who completed the theoretical course and were nominated by PHC managers to participate in the practical training. A purposive sample of 15 professionals—three from each Brazilian region—participated in online interviews conducted after the theoretical and practical stages. Interviews addressed the training pathway, institutional agreements, and applicability within health services. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify perceptions related to theory–practice integration.
RESULTS:
The training was described as enriching and essential, highlighting improved understanding of sensitive caregiving and strengthened caregiver–child interactions. Key challenges included platform navigation difficulties, workload overload, and lack of protected time for training. The practical component was crucial for consolidating theoretical knowledge through real-world experience.
CONCLUSIONS:
The hybrid model is a viable strategy for large-scale capacity building in PHC. Sustainability depends on improved technological usability and institutional support in public health settings globally.
Continuous professional development in Primary Health Care (PHC) is essential for strengthening health systems and integrating evidence-based practices into early childhood care. Hybrid training models that combine distance learning with face-to-face activities are promising for balancing quality and practical applicability. The Care for Child Development project in PHC (CDC-PHC) adapted the World Health Organization and UNICEF approach to the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) through a hybrid program with a 30-hour online theoretical module and an 8-hour in-person practical component.
OBJECTIVE:
To assess health professionals’ perceptions of the CDC online course and practical training, focusing on counseling skills development, clinical practice, and applicability within PHC services.
METHODS:
This exploratory qualitative study included professionals who completed the theoretical course and were nominated by PHC managers to participate in the practical training. A purposive sample of 15 professionals—three from each Brazilian region—participated in online interviews conducted after the theoretical and practical stages. Interviews addressed the training pathway, institutional agreements, and applicability within health services. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify perceptions related to theory–practice integration.
RESULTS:
The training was described as enriching and essential, highlighting improved understanding of sensitive caregiving and strengthened caregiver–child interactions. Key challenges included platform navigation difficulties, workload overload, and lack of protected time for training. The practical component was crucial for consolidating theoretical knowledge through real-world experience.
CONCLUSIONS:
The hybrid model is a viable strategy for large-scale capacity building in PHC. Sustainability depends on improved technological usability and institutional support in public health settings globally.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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