Goal Orientation, Adaptive Learning Strategies and Academic Achievement of Community Health Students in Primary Health Care

In this commentary paper, we highlight the key role that community health workers and family health professionals can perform for the identification and care for women experiencing domestic violence in communities. These workers are part of the primary health-care strategy in the Brazilian public health system, who are available in every municipalities and neighborhoods of the country. Based on our ethnographic research, we argue that identification and care of abused women by these workers and professionals follow a pattern which we described and named “the Chinese whispers model.” We also point gaps in training these workers to deal with complex issues, such as domestic violence, arguing for the need of formal qualification for both community health workers and family health professionals by, for example, incorporating such themes into curricula, further education, and continuing professional development.

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Community Health and General Practice: The Impact of Different Cultures on the Integration of Primary Care

Australian Journal of Primary Health ◽

10.1071/py01010 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 65 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hal Swerissen ◽

Jenny Macmillan ◽

Catuscia Biuso ◽

Linda Tilgner

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Health Care ◽

General Practice ◽

Primary Health Care ◽

Community Health ◽

Community Health Centres ◽

Care Services ◽

Primary Health ◽

Health Centres ◽

The Relationship

This study examined the existing relationship between community health centres and General Practice Divisions in the State of Victoria, including the nature of joint working arrangements and the identification of barriers to greater collaboration. Improved integration of primary health care services has been advocated to improve consumer and population health outcomes and to reduce inappropriate use of acute and extended care services. General practitioners (GPs) and community health centres are two key providers of primary health care with potential for greater integration. The current study conducted telephone interviews with 20 community health centre CEOs and 18 Executive Officers of divisions, which were matched according to catchment boundaries. Results suggest, while some joint planning is occurring, especially on committees, working parties and projects, there is an overall low level of satisfaction with the relationship between community health centres and GPs and GP divisions. Major barriers to greater integration are the financial or business interests of GPs and misunderstanding and differences in perceived roles and ideology between GPs and community health centres. Improved communication, greater contact and referral and follow-up procedures are identified as a means of improving the relationship between GPs, GP divisions and community health centres. Community health centres and general practitioners (GPs) are key providers of primary care (Australian Community Health Association, 1990).

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Access of the LGBTQI+ population from the perspective of community health agents, Brazil

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.770 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

M H N Souza ◽

A A Pinho ◽

L Graever ◽

A R Pereira ◽

A M S Santana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Primary Health Care ◽

Community Health ◽

Quantitative Research ◽

Health Workers ◽

National Policy ◽

Comprehensive Health Care ◽

Care Network ◽

Primary Health ◽

Comprehensive Health

Abstract Introduction In Brazil, according to the National Policy for Integral Health for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transvestites, Transsexuals, Queers, Intersexuals and other identities (LGBTQI+), it is increasingly necessary to guarantee access to the health system, as well as to train qualified professionals. Objective describing the perception of Community Health Agents (CHA) about the approach to and access of LGBTQI+ people to primary health care. Methods Quantitative research conducted in October 2019 with 60 community health workers from the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The research was approved by the Ethics and Research Committees of the participating institutions. Results it was found that 100% of the CHA have already supported LGBTQI+ people, 19.2% identify prejudiced attitudes and delay in service as barriers to accessing the unit, and 19.2% recognize the presence of group activities in the unit. In the view of the CHA interviewed, LGBTQI+ patients could be approached in groups (50%), individually (19.2%) or both (30.8%). Among the strategies to increase the access of those patients, 61.5% are unaware and 38.5% listed possible strategies to be implemented in the unit. The topics of interest for discussion were: approach to reception, sexual identity, prejudice, psychological support, family, diseases, violence, and rights. Conclusions From the perspective of community health agents, the study allowed reflections on how approaching and making access available to LGBTQI+ patients in the primary care network. This evidences stigmas and fragility of professionals in the individual and collective approach to deal with issues regarding guidance sexuality and gender identity of the clientele served. It is important to emphasize permanent education actions among professionals, aiming at a comprehensive health care for the LGBTQI+ population. Key messages Welcoming and qualified listening promote comprehensive health care for the LGBTQI+ population. Improvements in the access of the LGBTQI+ population to the primary health care network decrease morbidity and mortality.

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What are the roles of community health workers? Looking back at the philosophies of primary health care

Global Health Promotion ◽

10.1177/1757975918811087 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 117-120

Author(s):

Marietou Niang

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Primary Health Care ◽

Community Development ◽

Health System ◽

Community Health ◽

Community Health Workers ◽

Health Workers ◽

Primary Health ◽

Looking Back

This commentary discusses the different roles of community health workers (CHWs), their challenges and limitations in a historical perspective of primary health care (PHC). We first try to show that the comprehensive philosophy of PHC promulgated in Alma-Ata proposed the role of CHWs as actors who work in community development. On the other hand, in the 1980s, with the emergence of the selective philosophy of PHC, CHWs’ role was more affiliated with the health system. We conclude our pitch about the balance that can exist between these different roles by suggesting that CHWs can work in continuity with the health system, but they should not be considered as affordable labor. Also, they must be supported in their activities to develop their communities, allowing them to participate effectively in programs and policies that concern them and their community.

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