Permanent Health Education in primary care: an integrative review of literature

ABSTRACT This study aimed to understand the appropriation of Permanent Health Education (PHE) by Primary Health Care (PHC) in Brazil, through an integrative review of the literature. There was a search for texts published in Portuguese, English and Spanish on PHE in PHC in Brazil, between 2007 and 2017, which addressed the concept of PHE, initiatives developed in PHC and/or perception about changes in professional practice. Twenty-seven studies were selected. The thematic content analysis identified four empirical categories: conceptions of PHE; PHE initiatives and their characteristics in the PHC; positive points and facilitators related to PHE initiatives in PHC; and fragile and difficult points. It was observed that the understanding of PHE by health professionals and managers is close to the concept of Continuing Education (CE). Among the PHE initiatives in the services were: development of technological resources; teaching-service approach; and the formation of collective spaces of meaningful learning in the daily work. However, the devaluation of PHE initiatives contributes to its non-effectiveness in PHC and the valuation of CE practices. It is considered necessary to legitimize PHE as a movement and educational policy in the scenario of PHC in Brazil, aiming at improving the quality of management and care.