Nursing workloads in family health: implications for universal access

Abstract

Objectiveto identify the workloads of nursing professionals of the Family Health Strategy, considering its implications for the effectiveness of universal access. Methodqualitative study with nursing professionals of the Family Health Strategy of the South, Central West and North regions of Brazil, using methodological triangulation. For the analysis, resources of the Atlas.ti software and Thematic Content Analysis were associated; and the data were interpreted based on the labor process and workloads as theorical approaches. Resultsthe way of working in the Family Health Strategy has predominantly resulted in an increase in the workloads of the nursing professionals, with emphasis on the work overload, excess of demand, problems in the physical infrastructure of the units and failures in the care network, which hinders its effectiveness as a preferred strategy to achieve universal access to health. On the other hand, teamwork, affinity for the work performed, bond with the user, and effectiveness of the assistance contributed to reduce their workloads. Conclusionsinvestments on elements that reduce the nursing workloads, such as changes in working conditions and management, can contribute to the effectiveness of the Family Health Strategy and achieving the goal of universal access to health.

Estrés Percibido en Trabajadores De Atención Primaria

“…En base a esto, el equipo investigador postula que el resultado obtenido era esperable dado el contexto de trabajo del grupo de estudio. El equipo de enfermería de atención primaria debe desarrollar múltiples tareas, tales como atender gran cantidad de personas durante el día, lidiar con interrupciones, además de cumplir con los horarios estipulados para cada control (23)(24) .…”

Influence of multiprofessional work on the production of care and access to primary health care

“…Both situations contribute to an increase in the (especially administrative) tasks of workers and are described as an element that interferes with access to care. The role prescribed for family health teams is broad in scope in that it requires longitudinal care, multi-purpose knowledge and capacity to act inter-sectorally 10 .…”

“…In the relationship between workloads and universality of access, the elements that contribute to an increase in workloads hamper access to health services 10 .…”

Índice de capacidad de trabajo en enfermeras en atención primaria de salud, Lima-Perú

“…Desde el ámbito de enfermería, el interés por conocer las condiciones de trabajo y vida de este profesional dio inicio al abordaje de temas en relación con la situación de trabajo difícil, carga laboral, división de funciones y jornada laboral que presentaba y afecta su estado físico y mental por la sobrecarga a la que se expone, por la demanda laboral que proviene del ambiente de trabajo, del paciente, familia y comunidad (11)(12)(13).…”