A inserção do médico veterinário na estratégia saúde da família: desafios e perspectivas – relato de experiência

Abstract

The veterinarian knowledge, along with his experience, in epidemology and zoonoses is essential to assist the planning, execution, and evaluation of actions and programs for the prevention, control or eradication of diseases that affect the general population, contributing to the promotion of public health. The professional, along with other health professionals, can assess the needs, demands and risk factors of the areas assisted by the “Estratégia Saúde da Família” (ESF) and then, help to elaborate and coordinate actions, work in prevention plans and control of zoonotic diseases and thus, to carry out health education. This study aimed to report the experience of a Veterinary inserted in a multidisciplinary team at the ESF, describing the performance, challenges, and perspectives that involve the work of this professional in public health. The actions of continuing education in health developed during the period of insertion in the team, including training with health professionals, the holding of waiting rooms with users of the Unified Health System (UHS) and the clarification and training of the Community Health Agents (CHA). It was possible to observe that in general terms, the majority of the public did not know the role of a Veterinarian in public health. Most of them believed that its action was limited to promote animal health directly. The training of CHA has proven to be challenging and requires continuity since they are responsible for disseminate information to the population. Finally, it can be concluded that the joint action of professionals from different areas is essential for the development of such actions, aiming the exchange of experiences between the areas involved, as well as the dissemination of information to the community.The insertion of the Veterinarian in the EFS proved to be extremely productive for all the actions, expanding the perspectives of this professional and his contribution to the promotion of public health.