Emerging practices in psychology: action with community health agents

Abstract

In past decades, initiatives have been made focusing on broadening action in public health, including of a community based nature. Taking into account the interest in these emerging practices, a study was made on the Conclusion Work (CW) focusing on Community Health Agents (CHAs) of the City of Campo Grande, MS. Analysis has pointed out that the guiding objectives are: promotion and prevention of health as well as stimulating exchange of experiences. Special importance has been given to the use of group dynamic techniques and participative methodologies. The themes that are more commonly tackled involve interpersonal relationships, communication, self-esteem, professional devaluation, work routines, conflict resolution, integration, stress, depression and the role of CHAs. It has been verified that an insufficiency in communication is commonly perceived as a disturbing factor in the implementation of humanized practices within health. Also, obstacles related to interpersonal relationships with supervisors and managers and other CHAs have been highlighted. It is suggested that similar studies take place with the aim of systematizing and improving the existing practices.