CHILDCARE IN GROUP: A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON CHILDREN HEALTHCARE – EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

Introduction: Childcare during the early years of life determines the quality of children growth and development as many factors interfere with the protection and prevention of damages to their health. The care for children’s health depends not only on the family but also on the healthcare services. Objective: Therefore, preceptors and students involved in the PET program/”Cegonha” network (Education Program for Health Work) idealized the implementation of a childcare group in a Family Health Team to provide socialization among mothers and children, sharing experiences and clearing doubts. Results: The activities were conducted weekly during the months of October and November/2013, with the presence of children up to two years old and their mothers. The themes selected were relevant to the group, which included: the importance of childcare, prevention of domestic accidents, healthy eating habits, the use of baby bottles and pacifiers and prevalent diseases in this age group. During the meetings, we observed a change in mothers’ behavior regarding the child care and interaction among participants, students and healthcare professionals. Conclusion: The group promoted a collective and comprehensive childcare, thus becoming an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary activity that contributed to the development of skills and abilities of the PET students. DESCRIPTORS Child Health. Child Care. Child Development. Child Care.