Supervision of community health worker in the family health strategy: Among control, support and training

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the supervision mechanisms regarding the work of Family Health community health workers (CHW) and how the practiced supervision affects the work organization. This is a qualitative study carried out in Vitória da Conquista, state of Bahia, Brazil. In the analytical referential, a matrix comprised three dimensions: work control, work support, education and training. Information was collected through three focus groups, 33 semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and document analysis. Study participants were 42 CHW, eight supervisors and five managers. The outcomes showed predominance of supervision as work control. A productive approach was noticed with the control of the developed activities, particularly home visits. Assessment mechanisms displayed a strong influence on the developed practices. The support dimension demonstrated that the supervisors support foment work performance, higher satisfaction and social support. Activity overcharge and the deficient institutional support negatively affected supportive supervision. The practical educational dimension displayed punctual and instrumental formative process directed to diseases control. We concluded that it is essential to take into account in the supervision the political and sociocultural aspects and pursue the balance among the three dimensions.