Pontos de apoio: uma estratégia de acesso à saúde da população do campo de uma cidade do Distrito Federal
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Access to healthcare services in Brazil is a right guaranteed to all. However, rural populations face numerous challenges in accessing these services, including long distances, limited coverage by health teams, and economic constraints. It is necessary to develop strategies that help expand healthcare access for these communities. With this aim, a Unidade Básica de Saúde – UBS (Primary Health Unit ) in the Brazilian capital implemented Support Points in each micro-area of its assigned territory. This study aimed to understand the perceptions of users and healthcare workers of this UBS regarding the creation of this strategy. METHOD: This was a descriptive, qualitative study conducted through interviews and field notes with nine female users and six healthcare workers from the territory. RESULTS: Fifteen individuals participated in the study: nine users and six healthcare workers. The users had low educational levels and household incomes of up to two minimum wages. The main difficulties reported were related to geographic and technical dimensions, followed by political, symbolic, and economic aspects. The healthcare workers highlighted similar barriers, in addition to structural limitations. As strengths, both groups emphasized territorial proximity and the increased agility in care provided by the Support Points. CONCLUSION: The Support Points strategy shows great potential for addressing the healthcare needs of rural populations. However, it should not be considered the only approach to overcoming access barriers, as access to services still requires complementary and tailored strategies, such as home visits.
Institutions: Universidade de Brasília, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416787802