Situational diagnosis of continuing education needs in an inland Brazilian municipality
1
Family Health, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Toledo, Brazil
2
Municipal Health Secretary, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Assis Chateaubriand, Assis Chateaubriand, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1866
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Since 2004, Brazil has implemented the National Policy on Permanent Health Education (PNEPS)¹, aligned with the principles of the Unified Health System (SUS), emphasizing critical reflection on reality and collective analysis of work processes as strategies to improve healthcare practices. This study describes the experience of conducting a situational diagnosis of continuing education demands in an inland Brazilian municipality, aiming to support the development of training actions aligned with local needs.
METHODS:
This is an experience report with a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach, developed over six months. Discussion circles were held in 92% of Primary Health Care Units and other points of the Health Care Network, including a Psychosocial Care Center, the Health Academy Program, and a specialized multiprofessional mental health team. An anonymous questionnaire with closed-ended questions was applied to assess sociodemographic profile, work processes, and training needs. Field notes were recorded and analyzed through thematic categorization.
RESULTS:
A total of 145 workers participated, mostly women (81%), with the highest proportion aged 40–50 years (32%). Most had worked in the service for one to five years (47%). High job satisfaction (86%) and positive perception of user satisfaction (91%) were reported. However, 29% considered the service to have low problem-solving capacity. Excess demand (68%) and insufficient materials (50%) were identified as major challenges. Strong network articulation was observed, particularly with Social Assistance Reference Centers (83%) and the Psychosocial Care Center (81%). Priority educational demands included mental health, interpersonal relationships, teamwork, adult and older adult health, and substance use disorders.
CONCLUSIONS:
The diagnosis revealed the coexistence of professional satisfaction and structural weaknesses affecting service resolution. The findings reinforce the importance of context-based continuing education initiatives aligned with the strengthening of working conditions.
Since 2004, Brazil has implemented the National Policy on Permanent Health Education (PNEPS)¹, aligned with the principles of the Unified Health System (SUS), emphasizing critical reflection on reality and collective analysis of work processes as strategies to improve healthcare practices. This study describes the experience of conducting a situational diagnosis of continuing education demands in an inland Brazilian municipality, aiming to support the development of training actions aligned with local needs.
METHODS:
This is an experience report with a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach, developed over six months. Discussion circles were held in 92% of Primary Health Care Units and other points of the Health Care Network, including a Psychosocial Care Center, the Health Academy Program, and a specialized multiprofessional mental health team. An anonymous questionnaire with closed-ended questions was applied to assess sociodemographic profile, work processes, and training needs. Field notes were recorded and analyzed through thematic categorization.
RESULTS:
A total of 145 workers participated, mostly women (81%), with the highest proportion aged 40–50 years (32%). Most had worked in the service for one to five years (47%). High job satisfaction (86%) and positive perception of user satisfaction (91%) were reported. However, 29% considered the service to have low problem-solving capacity. Excess demand (68%) and insufficient materials (50%) were identified as major challenges. Strong network articulation was observed, particularly with Social Assistance Reference Centers (83%) and the Psychosocial Care Center (81%). Priority educational demands included mental health, interpersonal relationships, teamwork, adult and older adult health, and substance use disorders.
CONCLUSIONS:
The diagnosis revealed the coexistence of professional satisfaction and structural weaknesses affecting service resolution. The findings reinforce the importance of context-based continuing education initiatives aligned with the strengthening of working conditions.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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