SPACES FOR PERMANENT EDUCATION IN HEALTH AND THE POST-PANDEMIC CONTEXT

Abstract

Introduction: In the historical-political context of the structuring of the Unified Health System (SUS), Permanent Health Education (EPS) emerges as a policy, learning tool and instrument for greater worker participation in the work processes of health services. Objective: To analyze the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on EPS actions in municipality in the southern region of Brazil. Method: Qualitative research, action research type. Data production took place through focus groups with workers from the Family Health Units teams in the municipality, the study setting, and through the use of a field diary. The data were interpreted using Discourse Analysis. Results: The results showed how EPS is seen as an important tool for work, enabling reflections on healthcare activities and qualifying approaches according to the needs of the territory. The study analyzed important aspects to identify weaknesses and potential of EPS actions after the pandemic in the municipality. The role of Primary Health Care management stands out; the weakening of actions after the resumption of activities in the Health Units due to excessive demands (health problems, chronic cases, issues related to the mental health of users, among others) and the reduction of times and shifts for team meetings, which came in the wake of the new care model governed by Previne Brasil (goals, productivity and achievement of health indicators). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic accentuated processes that were ongoing in the municipality studied, resulting in a process of disarticulation. Workers and managers face the challenge of resuming strengthening EPS as one of the policies to strengthen the SUS.