Evaluation of the Workforce Capacity of the Primary Health Care Network: Challenges and Perspectives

Desafíos y Perspectivas

Abstract

Issue: Insufficient workforce allocation in Primary Health Care. Relevance: Accurate staffing enhances processes and management. Objective: To evaluate the workforce capacity of the Primary Health Care network in the municipality of Primavera do Leste/Mato Grosso, Brazil. Methods: An exploratory descriptive epidemiological study, of a cross-sectional type, with a secondary analysis of the Notifiable Disease Notification System (SINAN), e-SUS AB, and the e-Manager (e-Gestor). Health indicators and parameters for the stratification of territorial vulnerability levels were used. The output and number of professionals were calculated per health unit. Results: The analysis revealed that the productivity and ideal quantity of professional categories, including doctors, nurses, nursing technicians, community agents, dentists, dental technicians, and dental assistants, were below the recommended levels. Considering that the compiled data refer to the year 2021, a period of exceptional circumstances because of the pandemic, the explanation for this reduction in ideal production may be due to the decrease in procedures and scheduled appointments across all health units. The challenges are complex and involve factors such as rapid population growth, professionals without a formal contract and with high turnover, as well as a more effective management participation to include this issue in the strategic health agendas.