Family Health Support Center: reflection on its development through realist evaluation

ABSTRACT This study aims to assess the development of a Family Health Support Center (Nasf) team in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. This is a qualitative study based on realist evaluation. Identification and analysis of the contexts, mechanisms and results were carried out by an Nasf team. The research was initiated by the formulation of the initial theory of intervention based on documentary research and workshops with program informants. Next, focus groups were formed with professionals from a Family Health Team (FHT) receiving support and users from the area, as well as semi-structured interviews with program managers at district and municipal level. Thirteen contexts, seven mechanisms and four results were identified, which together produced six Context-Mechanism-Outcomes (CMOs). Evaluation of the Nasf team revealed a dual profile that combines technical-pedagogical features with clinical ones relating to care. This duality produces results that, together, generate higher resolution Primary Care (PC). On some occasions, however, an outpatient-centered approach can be seen to emerge in its work with PC and the users in the locality. Identification of elements and the interactions among them is fundamental for ensuring sustainability and replication of this intervention throughout Brazil.