Territorialization and the Community Health Agent in Primary Care: an experience report

Abstract

Primary Health Care is the preferred entry point of the Unified Health System (SUS) in Brazil. The Family Health Strategy is the operational care model of PHC, which is organized through teams that provide services in Basic Health Units. The role of the Community Health Agent is essential for the effectiveness of the Family Health Strategy within PHC and is of utmost importance for health action planning. Based on this recognition, the tools described in this article were developed, including a Practical Guide for Territorial Action, spreadsheets containing the census tracts of the addresses assigned to family health teams, and a template for creating a live map by each team. The Guide provided detailed instructions on how to use these tools for territorialization. This is an experience report from a descriptive and critical-reflective perspective on the reality experienced as part of the work of the resident in the Multiprofessional Family and Community Health Program and the preceptorship of the residency scenario located in the Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Management of PHC in the Central Region of the Federal District Health Department. A comprehensive PHC, anchored by the Family Health Strategy, recognizes the territory as the organizer of care. Tools that assist in the paths of territorialization and recognition of community demands are essential for its implementation and for strengthening the work performed by the CHA.