Continued care for families of children with chronic diseases: perceptions of Family Health Program teams

Abstract

The objective of this study is to characterize how the Family Health Strategy teams in Brazil perceive their role to provide continued care to families of children with chronic diseases. This was a qualitative study that used symbolic interactionism as its theoretical framework, with content analysis for thematic categorical analysis. Focus groups with three Family Health Strategy teams were used for data collection, with a total of 32 study participants. The results were organized into three thematic categories: 1) singularities of families that live with children with chronic diseases; 2) team, family and Family Health Strategy; and 3) limitations of care . The teams’ perception is that the design of the Family Health Strategy encourages access to the family experience, allowing the recognition of its specificities. Further, the data reveal team limitations regarding their capacity to provide care, and the need for investments in articulation with different social services, sectors, and equipment.