Education in reproductive health: proposal or reality in the Family Health Program?

As supervisors of primary health care units in the State of Ceará, Brazil, we have observed a low supply of health education services. As part of the activities under the Family Health Program (FHP), we attempted to investigate the causes of this short supply and identify flaws in the development of such activities. Interviews and participatory observation were adopted as the research method. The following causes were defined in the lack of health education practices: disorganization of demand, insufficient coverage of the population by FHP teams, resistance by both health professionals and the population to educational activities, absence of adequate floor space for conducting such activities, and lack of support materials. The following flaws were identified in the implementation of activities: limited exchange of experiences among participants; limited focus on the group's needs; frequent use of scientific language; transfer of outdated information; and inadequate utilization of teaching materials. The conclusion is that there is a need to retrain health professionals and to improve the availability of physical resources and teaching materials in order for education in reproductive health to become a reality in the FHP.     

Do State Community Health Worker Laws Align with Best Available Evidence?

Community health workers (CHWs) are expected to improve patient care and population health while reducing health care costs. Law is a tool states are using to build a supportive infrastructure for the CHW workforce. This study assessed the extent existing state law pertaining to the CHW workforce aligned with best available evidence. We used the previously developed Quality and Impact of Component (QuIC) Evidence Assessment method to identify and prioritize those components that could comprise an evidence-informed CHW policy at the state level. We next assessed the extent codified statutes and regulations in effect as of December 31, 2014 for the 50 states and D.C. included the components identified in the evidence assessment. Fourteen components of an evidence-informed CHW policy were identified; eight had best, three had promising, and three had emerging evidence bases. Codified law in 18 states (35.3 % of 51) pertained to the CHW workforce. Fifteen of these 18 states authorized at least one of the 14 components from the evidence assessment (maximum: nine components, median: 2.5). The most frequently authorized component was a defined scope of practice for CHWs (authorized by eight states) followed by a standard core competency curriculum and inclusion of CHWs in multidisciplinary health care teams (each authorized by six states). States could consider the components presented in this article when developing new or strengthening existing law.     

Whose is SUS? About the social representation of the users of the Family Health Program

The present study analyzes the representation of the users of SUS and PSF, presenting data obtained by semi-structured interviews, using the theoretical referential of the qualitative research. The results show a social representation marked by a focused vision and assistance, pointing to the concentration of public resources in poor segments of the society and centered in the biomedical model of attention. It stands out that PSF did not reach their objectives to provide changes in the praxis in health. In relation to the social control, it is observed that only 5.9% of the interviewees know the CMS. The presented data show a great ignorance by the studied population on the sanitary system and conquered social laws, and many people still see SUS as a "health plan for the poor". Due to the lived reality, the need of the implementation of strategies is emphasized for the reach of larger powerment/liberation of the population, seeking to build effective possibilities so that their actors will be active participant of the process of construction of a common project, actually based on the democratic ideals of SUS, being PSF strategically important in the accomplishment of these actions.     

Community Severance and Health: What Do We Actually Know?

Community severance occurs where road traffic (speed or volume) inhibits access to goods, services, or people. Appleyard and Lintell’s seminal study of residents of three urban streets in San Francisco found an inverse relationship between traffic and social contacts. The extent of social networks predicts unhealthy behaviors, poor health, and mortality; high rather than low social integration is associated with reduced mortality, with an effect size of similar magnitude to stopping smoking. Although community severance diminishes social contacts, the implications of community severance for morbidity and mortality have not been empirically established. Based on a systematic literature search, we discuss what is actually known about community severance. There is empirical evidence that traffic speed and volume reduces physical activity, social contacts, children’s play, and access to goods and services. However, no studies have investigated mental or physical health outcomes in relation to community severance. While not designed specifically to do so, recent developments in road design may also ameliorate community severance.     

Diabetes and changes in functional status of the elderly: a reality?

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common disease in the elderly population. The concept of autonomy is linked to a balance between the impairments observed in the daily activities and the availability of resources to compensate these incapacities. In the evolution of the DM, micro and macro vascular complications are commonly observed. The burden of these complications is usually proportional to the duration of the disease and the quality of glycaemic control. Visual alteration and progressive kidney failure requiring haemodialysis have significant impact on the functional status on the elderly diabetic patient living at home. Alterations of cardiac function and peripheral vascular disease which can ultimately lead to lower limb amputation also result in a dramatic alteration in the capacity of elderly patient to carry routine activities of daily living. The presence of DM seems to be a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. This article will review the usual complications of DM and link these complications to functional changes in the elderly population.     

Patient Engagement in Community Health Center Leadership: How Does it Happen?

Patient engagement in primary care leadership is an important means to involve community voices at community health centers. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are mandated to have patient representation within their governing boards, while practices seeking patient-centered medical home certification receive credit for implementing patient advisory councils (PACs). Our objective was to compare and contrast how community health centers engage patients in clinic management, decision-making and planning within governing boards versus PACs. Qualitative study conducted from August 2016 to June 2017 at community health centers in California, Arizona and Hawaii. We interviewed practice leaders of patient engagement programs at their site. Eligible clinics had patient representatives within their governing board, PAC, or both. We assessed patient demographics, roles and responsibilities of patients participating, and extent of involvement in quality improvement among governing boards versus PACs. We interviewed 19 sites, of which 17 were FQHCs that had governing boards. Of the 17 FQHCs, 11 had also implemented PACs. Two non-FQHC safety-net sites had PACs but did not have governing boards. Governing board members had formal, structured membership responsibilities such as finances and hiring personnel. PAC roles were more flexible, focusing on day-to-day clinic operations. Clinics tended to recruit governing board patient members for their skill set and professional experience; PAC member recruitment focused more on demographic representation of the clinic’s patient population. Both groups worked on quality improvement, but governing boards tended to review clinic performance metrics, while PAC members were involved in specific project planning and implementation to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience. Patient involvement in clinic improvement in CHCs includes higher-level decision-making and governance through mechanisms such as governing boards, as well as engagement in day-to-day practice improvement through PACs. These roles offer differing, but valuable insights to clinic programs and policies.     

Domestic violence against children and prospects for intervention of the Family Health Program: the experience of the Family Doctor Program/Niterói (RJ, Brazil)

This study seeks to estimate the prevalence of psychological and physical violence practiced against children in the family environment among clients of the Family Medical Program in Niterói (RJ). It also discloses some potential opportunities for action in the prevention, early detection and monitoring of families experiencing violence. This population-based survey was conducted with face-to-face interviews with parents or legal sponsors of 278 children registered in 27 teams of the Family Health Program. The population studied was randomly selected among children up to ten years of age. The Brazilian version of Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scales - CTSPC was employed to assess the occurrence of this type of violence. Psychological aggression occurred in 96.7% (CI 95%: 94.7-98.8) of the households, and corporal punishment occurred in 93.8% (CI 95%: 92.0-96.7). Minor physical violence was reported by 51.4% (CI 95%: 45.5-57.3) of the respondents, and severe physical maltreatment by 19.8% (CI 95%: 15.1-24.5) of them. Although the mother was the foremost perpetrator of all kinds of maltreatment, most of the children were abused by both parents. In view of these results, domestic violence against children should be seen as a main concern for the Family Health Program.