Profile and performance of professionals working in Health Surveillance and Primary Health Care in the I Regional Health Management of the state of Pernambuco

Introduction: The integration between the Health Surveillance and Primary Health Care sectors in the National Health System (SUS) is an essential condition for achieving results that meet the health needs of the population. Objectives: To outline the training profile of health professionals and the integrated action between Health Surveillance and Primary Health Care in the I Regional Health Management (I GERES) of the state of Pernambuco. Method: A quantitative descriptive observational epidemiological study was carried out, using the cross-sectional survey research method. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, which were applied to higher-level health professionals working in Health Surveillance, containing open and closed questions on the following variables: training, performance, professional bond and integrated actions. Results: Among the 381 professionals interviewed, 19.16% (73/381) worked in Health Surveillance, while only 1.84% worked in Occupational Health Surveillance. Among the 381 participants, 50.39% had an effective bond and 97.11% participated in training. Regarding integrated activities between Health Surveillance and Primary Health Care, 71.65% of professionals reported not developing such practices. Conclusions: It was possible to conclude that there are weaknesses and potentialities inherent to the training and working conditions of Health Surveillance and Primary Health Care professionals, and failures in the integration (intraSUS) between these sectors. It is suggested that managers of I GERES develop intervention strategies that improve the conditions of qualified training of professionals and the quality of services provided to the population.