The Social Skills of Nurses Managers in Family Health Teams

Abstract The present descriptive research investigated the repertoire of social skills of nurses responsible for the management of Family Health teams. The Social Skills Inventory (IHS-Del Prette) and semi-structured interviews were administered to obtain the self-perception of 8 participants about their resources and deficits in these skills, especially regarding the demands of primary care work. The mean scores of the group were analyzed in relation to the total score and the 5 IHS-Del Prette factors. The categorization of the reports obtained in the interviews took place in light of the Bardin Content Analysis. The results evidenced several classes of social skills, such as empathy, assertiveness, expression of positive feelings, and problem-solving. On the other hand, difficulties for clear and effective communication and mediation of interpersonal conflicts were observed. It is important to highlight the relevance of investigations and systematic experiments for the improvement of interpersonal skills essential to public health management.