Universal health system based on Primary Care and advanced practice nursing

Abstract

Objective: To reflect on advanced practice nursing in Primary Health Care considering the complexity of the Brazilian health system. Methods: Reflective study, based on the document “Expanding the role of nurses in Primary Health Care” and anchored in the literature and critical analysis of the authors. Results: Due to the complexity of the Unified Health System — in terms of infrastructure, human resources, funding — it is important for Brazil to carry out its own systematic process of discussion on the implementation of advanced practice nursing, considering the context of the current health care model, to define the role of this practice according to the characteristics of a universal health system and not a universal health coverage. Final considerations: The expansion of the workforce and the insertion of advanced practice nursing in Brazilian Primary Health Care needs to happen with greater recognition and incentives for the actions performed at this level of care. For example, they must occur through integration between professionals and the community in health promotion actions, with the availability of appropriate technologies for the work, in order to guarantee the quality and resolution of Primary Health Care.