Use of family approach tools in the practice of family and community medicine residency

experience report

Abstract

Problem: Family approach tools are useful in approaching more complex cases and assist family and community doctors in the day-to-day work of appropriate management of patients. Such tools are part of the competency matrix of the Medical Residency in Family and Community Medicine and it is through their training process that they have greater applicability. Report interventions carried out in care provided in an Family Health Strategy in the city of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, through the practices of family approach tools, such as genogram and ecomap, as part of the formation process of the Family and Community Medicine Medical Residency. Methods: This is an experience report, with a qualitative methodological approach, of the process experienced in a Family Health Strategy in the city of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. A literature review was also carried out on the topic addressed. Results: This article reports the experience of the applicability of family approach tools in a Family Health Strategy in a city in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul. Problematizing the topic is important for the appropriate application of family approaches that are difficult to manage and understand, aiming to improve the health outcomes of the patients assisted. Conclusions: It was possible to identify the potential of family approach tools in the practice of care, however, the lack of knowledge and preparation of the family health team was a limiting agent in the success of therapeutic approaches aimed at sharing care.