Covid-19 testing in Primary Health Care: professionals’ perceptions

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To analyze the perceptions of Primary Health Care (PHC) professionals regarding Covid-19 testing in basic health units (BHUs). METHODS: This qualitative study, part of a formative research project, involved 22 semi-structured interviews and 4 focus groups with professionals working in PHC in a Brazilian capital city. Among other criteria, the professional most directly involved in pandemic response measures in each BHU was selected. Content analysis was performed using a deductive analytical approach, in which the findings were organized into categories defined based on the components of the health system (population; infrastructure; organization of services; service delivery or care model; and management). RESULTS: Reports commonly referred, in the population component, to the challenges arising from the limitations of PHC coverage; in the infrastructure component, the insufficiency of human resources and physical infrastructure was highlighted, which in turn required changes in the organization and provision of services, with repercussions on the care model. The contributions also revealed that at some points during the pandemic there was a disruption of the work process, especially in family health teams. In the management component, weaknesses in communication flows between the health secretariat and the BHU were identified, although this was less frequently mentioned. CONCLUSION: The perception that expanding and decentralizing testing in BHUs was necessary was confirmed. The findings point to the importance of coordinating the pandemic response and effectively decentralizing the actions adopted, of preparedness plans and strengthening PHC and its professionals, as well as investments in infrastructure and team training, and advances in actions aimed at occupational health. The pandemic revealed the importance of advancing the health economic-industrial complex and, fundamentally, strengthening and defending the Brazilian Unified Health System.