Consolidation of Continuing Education in Unified Health System: Facilities and Difficulties

Abstract

Introduction: In Brazil, the challenge of articulating a quadrilateral picture composed of (1) professional health, (2) teaching, (3) management and (4) social control, involved in the continuing education in health, has been the subject in the discussion for its construction.Objective: To build a SWOT Matrix identifying strengths and weaknesses for the implementation of a National Policy of Continuing Education in Health Care in local Unified Health System. Method:This was a qualitative study carried out with an activity that took place in the Professional Masters in Family Health, of the Northeast Family Health Network, at the Universidade Regional do Cariri. Representatives of the quad from Cariri Cearense region were invited to participate in a wheel of conversation.Results: Strengths and weaknesses, threats and opportunities for the teaching-service rearrangement, as a way of strengthening primary health care, have been identified and described. Conclusion:The continuing health education gave the tools the professionals need to expand the possibilities of an effective education, as to improve the community conditions.