Community health workers & medical students: a strategic partnership for Brazilian public health

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Family Health Strategy represents a successful initiative for reorganization of primary care in Brazil. A differential is the Community Health Workers (CHW), who act facilitating community access to effective professional care in the form of health-promoting actions. However, the way CHW receive training to manage epidemics, as dengue, is almost unknown. In this context, this project addresses the importance of bringing together medical students and CHW in order to strengthening not only continuing education of CHW, but also the experienced learning of future physicians. Methods An exploratory study of qualitative approach was done. Two focus groups were conducted with ten CHW in a primary health care unit (PHCU) in Brazilian Midwest. The focus groups were conducted by the tutor and students previously trained on dengue prevention and management. Results Students identified difficulties in daily work and informational/ communicational gaps based on what was said by CHW if compared with the Ministry of Health protocol towards dengue control. These gaps were the basis for an action strategy to develop with CHW. Students developed strategies based on knowledge acquired on public health and experienced practices in medical school: meetings with CHW and other health professionals using lectures, conversation circles, role-playing and problem-situations. All activities were previously prepared by students under supervision. After all, we held the second focus group with the same CHW to evaluate the impact of the strategies adopted. 60% said their routine is now more dynamic and effective, only 10% state that their routine remains difficult. 80% said that after the training meetings the manager of the PHCU invited them to participate more actively. Conclusions This project brought the students to the reality of CHW health practices, what is a great opportunity to increase their commitment with the local health system and social accountability. Key messages The partnership between academy and health service is a challenge but when succeeded it enables changes in and may result in improvement processes in the public health system. The role of community health workers to achieve behavioral change in the community and to improve the public health of a country.