Implementation of postpartum care for women in primary care in the South of Brazil

Abstract

Objectives: to determine the implementation level and analyze favorable and unfavorable aspects of operationalization women’s care in postpartum period in primary care. Methods: evaluation study of the normative type, performed through a multiple case study in three cities in the South States in Brazil, with a collection of primary and secondary data. The implementation level (classification: satisfactory, partial, incipient, and critical) was determined by the Matriz de Análise e Julgamento (Analysis and Judgment Matrix), consisted of the dimensions of management and execution, and the respective sub-dimensions. Thematic and imbricated analysis of the cases were performed. Results: postpartum care was incipient in the management dimension for all the cases, with a higher implementation level for the “care coordination and intersectorality mechanisms” (partial) sub-dimension. In the execution dimension in case 3 was partially implemented, and the others were incipient. The breastfeeding sub-dimension had a higher implementation level for all the cases, and the longitudinality, mental health and reproductive planning sub-dimensions had a lower implementation level. Care in relation to domestic violence and mental health occurred unsystematically, and reproductive planning focused on hormonal contraceptive methods. Conclusion: management does not provide ideal conditions for healthcare professionals’ performance; and, in the execution dimension are not incorporated as the main necessity in the health care practice in women’s health.