Objective:

To understand the perception of professionals from the Family Health Strategy regarding the care provided to children with disabilities.

Materials and method:

Descriptive and exploratory study under a qualitative approach. Data collection took place in the first half of 2019. Unstructured interviews with guiding questions asked for the perception of professionals regarding the care provided to children with disabilities. A total of 33 professionals from six health teams from a municipality in southern Brazil participated in this study. Thematic categorical analysis was carried out with the help of the WebQDA® software.

Results:

The final thematic categories identified in this study addressed the health care provided to children with disabilities within the framework of the Family Health Strategy, which were divided into potentials and weaknesses. In relation to potentials, the care network (supporting the necessary referrals), the care provided with prioritization and equity, and considering the importance of families in health care were considered as relevant elements. As for weaknesses, some limitations in the provision of services that make it difficult or even impossible to provide care were identified, among these: the lack of professionals, supplies and an adequate environment, the lack of protocols towards care and training, and unawareness of the rights of this population, which affect the care provided to these children.

Conclusions:

Understanding the perception of the professionals in charge of taking care of the studied population makes it possible to identify the existing gaps in health services and acknowledge the appreciations of health personnel, thus favoring the adequate allocation of resources for benefiting the families of children with disabilities.

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