Challenges in patient care among nursing professionals in the Family Health Strategy of Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62331/2965-758X.v4.2026.81Keywords:
Coping, Nursing Professionals, Patient Care, Family Health Strategy, Primary Health CareAbstract
Aimed at health promotion, disease prevention, and comprehensive monitoring of individuals and families through multidisciplinary teams, the Family Health Strategy constitutes a primary policy of the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS). In this context, the nurse plays a central role, assuming responsibility for care, educational, and management activities. However, the daily routine of these professionals encounters obstacles that compromise healthcare effectiveness. This qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study aimed to understand the main challenges faced by eight nursing professionals providing patient care within the Family Health Units of Santa Fé do Sul, São Paulo. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The results revealed two main themes: treatment adherence within a culture of immediacy, and the care workload associated with staff shortages. The findings indicate that the demand for immediate results, combined with insufficient institutional support for nursing actions, undermines professional autonomy and community bonding. Furthermore, high demand and insufficient staffing levels contribute to excessive workloads, affecting both care quality and the physical and emotional well-being of the nursing team. In conclusion, strengthening institutional support, valuing the nursing role, and investing in continuing education are essential for promoting better working conditions and enhancing care quality.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Maria Eduarda da Silva, Marcely da Silva Pacheco, Monise de Souza Vasconselos, Adriana Luiz Sartoreto Mafra, Marcia Cristina Nobukuni, Camila Maria Buso Weiller Viotto
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