Childcare appointment at the Family Health Strategy in municipalities in the inland region of the State of Paraíba, Brazil.

Abstract

This article aims to evaluate the childcare appointments by health professionals working at the Family Health Strategy in municipalities in the State of Paraíba, compare the performance by health team type (The Mais Médicos Program or conventional), and analyze the association of client satisfaction with the developed actions. This cross-sectional study evaluated the structural conditions of health units, the work process of health professionals, and client satisfaction, observing childcare appointments in 22 health teams. Poor employment relationships and professionals' knowledge about child growth curves were highlighted in the structure. In the 175 appointments observed, we detected neglect in completing the Child Health Booklet (CHB), obtaining data on food consumption, and guidance practices. Only 36% of the appointments were classified with adequate duration. There was greater satisfaction for appointments developed in health teams of the Mais Médicos Program, with longer duration and better performance in guidance practices. The implementation of childcare appointments reveals significant gaps that can influence maternal satisfaction.