COVID-19, an investigation in the heart of a territorial community

Abstract

In Bagneux, a working-class suburb of Paris, during the first wave of the health crisis linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, different categories of professionals were mobilized and had to change their habits to respond to the public's needs. To collect different actors' testimonies from the social, medical, civic, prevention, and mental health sectors about their experiences during the first wave. Qualitative study with individual, semi-directive interviews. The results show the redefinition of missions, an adaptation at the level of work organization, a development and reinforcement of partnership links, as well as a reconfiguration of relationships with users. On a knowledge level, we can note the acquisition of scientific knowledge and technical learning. The links between partners, colleagues, volunteers, and inhabitants have been reinforced. Agents have learned to better know one another. New techniques have been discovered. During a particularly difficult time, the role that they usually play in terms of health promotion has become essential. This must be further supported.