Beyond the lesson plan: community health workers’ lived experience of a diabetes training program in the Brazilian Amazon
Yandra Alves Prestes, Tiago Assunção dos Santos Farias, Maria Natália Cardoso, Iasmin Machado Soares, Thalyta Mariany Rego Lopes Ueno, Hércules Lázaro Morais Campos, Elisa Brosina de Leon
Abstract
Introduction: Continuing education policies in health are essential but face limitations, including limited resources, work overload, and methodologies disconnected from professionals’ realities.
Objective: To investigate the challenges and strengths of a training program for community health workers in the Brazilian Amazon on managing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods: Qualitative phenomenological study based on Martin Heidegger’s framework. The study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist and Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). The focus group sessions were fully transcribed and processed using Atlas.ti24 software, and analyzed through Thematic Network Analysis.
Results: The main challenges reported included difficulties with technology, lack of technical and institutional support, extensive workload, and balancing personal and professional routines. On the other hand, Community Health Workers highlighted the following strengths: technical improvement, strengthening of professional networks, increased self-confidence, and recognition of the training as a personal growth opportunity and a form of professional appreciation.
Conclusion: When professional qualifications focus on both skill development and the empowerment of professionals, as well as on strengthening collaborative bonds, they have a significant positive impact not only on Community Health Workers work but also on their well-being and career prospects.
Keywords: Training, Community Health Worker, Qualitative Research.
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