Limits of the National Program for Access and Quality Improvement in Primary Care (PMAQ-AB): on focus, work management and health education

Abstract

The article analyzes the limits of the sub-dimensions proposed by the National Program for Access and  Quality Improvement in Primary Care (PMAQ-AB) for  the external evaluation of the Primary Care teams,  based on the guidelines and principles of the field of  Work Management and Health Education (GTES). It was observed that the evaluation instrument of the PMAQ-AB converges with the GTES policy in the  aspects of work precarization and worker valorization,  however, the instrument does not exploit work  negotiation and worker health. Its conception of  Permanent Health Education (EPS) is limited, although it presents potentialities when it investigates the relation of the EPS actions offered and the needs of  the teams and when portraying the teaching-service  integration as a quality standard. It is stated that there is a need to improve the PMAQ-AB instruments in  order to strengthen the guidelines and principles of  the policies of the GTES for Unified Health System  (SUS), however, it is assumed that the Program has  the potential of generating information for the  health system.