THE FAMILY HEALTH STRATEGY AS A PILLAR FOR A PREVENTIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH SYSTEM

Abstract

The Family Health Strategy (FHS) has been one of the main public health policies in Brazil, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and comprehensive care of populations, especially in areas of social vulnerability. This study aims to analyze the contributions of the Family Health Strategy to the promotion of preventive health and comprehensive care, highlighting its impact on the quality of life of the population and the barriers faced in its implementation. The research follows a qualitative approach, using literature review as the main method. The selection of sources was made from articles published between 2019 and 2023, obtained from academic databases such as PubMed, Scielo, and Redalyc. The analysis was carried out using the content analysis technique, categorizing the main contributions of the FHS and the barriers to its implementation. The results indicate that the Family Health Strategy has contributed significantly to the reduction of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, by providing continuous monitoring and health education. In addition, the integration of multiprofessional teams has shown effectiveness in the management of complex diseases, improving access to primary care and reducing the demand for hospital services. The constant training of professionals and the strengthening of the infrastructure of health units are essential to maximize the results of the ESF. The Family Health Strategy is consolidated as an effective model to promote preventive and comprehensive health, reducing the burden on the hospital system and improving the quality of life of the populations served. However, for this model to be fully effective, it is necessary to overcome the challenges related to lack of resources, training of professionals, and inadequate infrastructure. Strengthening public policies and continuous investment in training and resources are essential to ensure the expansion and sustainability of the ESF as a pillar of a more equitable and efficient health system.