A PRACTICAL PERSPECTIVE ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN A FAMILY HEALTH UNIT IN A TRIPLE-BORDER REGION: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

Primary Health Care constitutes the first level of care within the Unified Health System and serves as the main entry point, being responsible for coordinating care. This study aimed to report an experience developed in a Family Health Unit, focusing on the analysis of its principles, attributes, and work tools in a triple-border context.This is a descriptive study, characterized as an experience report, conducted in a health unit located in the municipality of Foz do Iguaçu. During the immersion period, guided visits to the unit’s facilities and semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals and users were carried out. The main tools structuring the work process were also observed, including home visits, patient reception (welcoming), health education activities, organization of care flow, and risk classification.The results revealed a broader understanding of users’ perceptions regarding access and quality of care, as well as the performance of healthcare professionals and the role of community health workers. However, challenges were identified, such as weaknesses in care coordination, delays in access to specialized care, and low visibility of health education activities.The experience enabled students to develop a critical understanding of the reality of the public health system, fostering reflection on challenges, potentialities, and strategies within daily service practices. This study contributes to the educational process by promoting the development of competencies aligned with the principles of the health system and professional practice in complex contexts.